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Fathers Are Key Influences on Teen Sexual Activity

A new review of studies on teen sexual behavior says there is a relationship between how close teens are to their fathers, and their fathers' attitudes toward teen sex, and adolescent sexual activity.

This review showed that if teens are close to their fathers, and their fathers don't approve of teen sex, those adolescents were more likely to start having sex at a later age than those whose fathers did approve of teen sex. The Washington Post wrote a story on the study.

For parents who don't believe that they can influence their children's decisions when it comes to sex, this study is just further proof that belief isn't true.

Talking to your kids about sex is one of the best things you can do to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs. Visit our How to Talk to Your Teens About Sex page for more information and resources on talking to your teens.