- In San Francisco, 5% of boys reported having sex before age 13. In Memphis, that number was 25%.
- Boys whose mothers have a college degree or other type of higher education level were statistically significantly less likely to report having sex before age 13.
- Black males were more likely to have sex before 13, followed by Hispanic males. Compared to black males, white males were 79% less likely to have sex before age 13, and Hispanic males were 73% less likely.
According to the CDC, the average age when boys and girls have sex for the first time is 17.
Researchers behind the study, Dr. David Bell, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Samantha Garbers, an associate professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, are calling for more conversations in both school and health care settings about boys developing healthy relationships at an early age.
“It is critical to engage young men in self-reflection about the real pressures U.S. society places on them that affect their overall health and well-being,” they wrote in an accompanying study editorial, “Any discussions associated with pressures should include topics of ‘what it means to be a man’ and soliciting and giving consent.”
They also believe age-appropriate sexual education among parents is imperative to raising young boys to understand sex and all that comes with it.
When first-time sex comes earlier for boys and girls, studies show a greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases, binge drinking problems, and challenges with school.
Parents, we can’t afford to wait when it comes to talking to our kids about sex.
