This document discusses abstinence for teenagers. It defines abstinence as refraining from sexual activity and explains that abstinence is the only way for teens to completely avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The document provides reasons for teens to choose abstinence, such as feeling emotionally or physically ready, as well as benefits like avoiding unplanned pregnancy and STDs. It also gives tips for teens committed to abstinence, such as avoiding situations that could compromise their commitment.

1. Abstinence
DONE BY THE STUDENTS OF FORM 4

2. Abstinence is the willful absence of a
particular behavior, practice or
substance use. Although it often
refers to refraining from sexual
contact, it can also concern
discontinuation of alcohol, illicit
drugs, smoking or addictive behaviors
like gambling………

3. What Is Abstinence?
 Teen abstinence consists of not engaging in sexual intercourse or sex
play beyond hugging or light kissing.
 Abstinence is the only guaranteed way for a teen to avoid pregnancy, and
many teens find that abstinence has other social, emotional, and health
benefits.

4. Over 50 percent of teens chose to be abstinent,
and abstinence is becoming more popular. 73
percent of teens say they do not think it is
embarrassing for a teen to be a virgin, and 58
percent say teens should not have sex, regardless
of what precautions they take. 67 percent of teens
who have sex say they wish they had abstained
until they were older

5. Some Reasons Why Teens Should
Choose Abstience...........
• Waiting until they feel ready for the emotional and physical aspects of sex
• Waiting until they find the right person
• Avoiding STDs
• Not feeling ready for the possibility of being a parent
• Losing their sexual partner through a break-up or death and wanting to wait to have sex again
• Wanting to have fun without the pressures and concerns of sexual involvement
• Pursuing other interests, such as sports or academics
• Moral or religious beliefs that teen abstinence is the best choice
• Good communication from parents who encourage teen abstinence

6. Benefits Of Choosing Abstinence
• AVOIDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
• AVOIDING UNPLANNED PREGNANCY
• NOT GETTING A BED REPUTATION
• AVOIDING SOME OF THE EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF TEEN SEX, ESPECIALLY IF THE RELATIONSHIP DOES NOT WORK OUT,
INCLUDING FEELING HURT, USED, LONELY, ANGRY, OR DEPRESSED
• BETTER RELATIONSHIPS; COUPLES WHO WAIT TO HAVE SEX HAVE HEALTHIER, MORE TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS, AND, IF THEY
MARRY, ARE LESS LIKELY TO DIVORCE, AND GENERALLY HAVE BETTER SEX LIVES THAN THOSE WHO DID NOT WAIT
• TEEN GIRLS WHO ABSTAIN FROM SEX UNTIL THEY ARE OLDER, AND LIMIT SEXUAL PARTNERS LATER IN LIFE, ARE LESS LIKELY TO
DEVELOP CERVICAL CANCER OR BECOME INFERTILE
• UNLIKE OTHER FORMS OF BIRTH CONTROL, ABSTINENCE COSTS NOTHING AND HAS NO SIDE EFFECTS

7. “
”
For some teens, remaining abstinent can be
challenging. Teens who choose abstinence
must be careful to stick to their resolve,
because many who fail to remain abstinent are
unprepared to have safe teen sex. Some things
teens can do to help their resolve to be
abstinent are...................

8. • Be clear with yourself about why you are making your decision, and remind yourself of this;
some teens find it useful to wear a ring, bracelet, or other reminder of their decision to remain
abstinent.
• Make decisions about abstinence and your limits before you get into a sexual situation.
• Avoid situations that may make abstinence difficult, such as physical affection more serious than
light kissing, which increases the urge to have sex, or situations where you are alone with
someone you are attracted to. Try group dating.
• Do not drink or use alcohol.
• Find other outlets for your energy, such as sport, music, art, or educational pursuits.
• Tell your friends, and especially anyone you are dating, what your standards and limits are.
• Focus on the non-sexual sides of romance, such as talking, sharing common interests, and
going out on dates.
• Spend time with people who support your standards, and avoid media such as music and
movies that encourage sex.
• Decide ahead of time how you will act if you are in a compromising situation, including how you
will say no. Remember that no one who cares about you will ever pressure you to have sex.

9. Facts…….
• SEXUAL ACTIVITY AT AN EARLY AGE HAS MULTIPLE HARMFUL
CONSEQUENCES.
• MOST SEXUALLY ACTIVE TEENS SAY THEY WISH THEY HAD WAITED UNTIL
THEY WERE OLDER BEFORE HAVING SEX
• ACTIVE TEENS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE DEPRESSED AND TO ATTEMPT
SUICIDE.
• EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING TEEN SEXUAL
ACTIVITY.

10. New estimates show that there are about 20 million new
sexually transmitted infections in the United States each
year.
Young people, between the ages of 15 to 24, account for
50% of all new STDs, although they represent just 25% of
the sexually experienced population
46% of American high school students have had sexual
intercourse and potentially are at risk for human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other STDs
The US has the highest rate of STD infection in the
industrialized world.