Tyra Survey Says: Unprotected Sex Common Among Teens

On the Web

by Lamar Tyler | on November 19th, 2008 | 16 comments

Ran across an article that talks about a survey done over the summer by the website for The Tyra Banks Show. Now consider the source while viewing the answers but they are alarming none the less.

More than 10,000 teenage girls and young women took part in an anonymous survey over the summer on TyraShow.com, the Web site of “The Tyra Banks Show.” Survey questions focused on sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy, as well as drinking, drugs and violence among females. Here are some findings from the survey:

* On average, girls are losing their virginity at 15 years of age.
* 14 percent of teens who are having sex say they’re doing it at school.
* 52 percent of survey respondents say they do not use protection when having sex.
* One in three says she fears having a sexually transmitted disease.
* 24 percent of teens with STDs say they still have unprotected sex.
* One in five girls says she wants to be a teen mom.
* About 50 percent acknowledge that they’ve hit someone.
* One out of three teens has tried drugs.

According to these girls and ones interviewed for Tyra’s show, they’re having Sex at a much younger age, bending under peer pressure and contracting all types of STDs due to unprotected sex.

BMWK, what do you think about these survey results? Is this a self esteem issue? Do we need more sex education in the schools? Do you think this does not truly represent most girls? Let us know.

About the author

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are the creators of the award-winning blog BlackandMarriedWithKids.com . They also are behind the Amazon.com bestselling DVDs Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me and Men Ain’t Boys that explores manhood in the African American community. The Tylers are also the proud parents of four children.

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Comments (16)

.elle denise. Wednesday - 19 / 11 / 2008 Reply

Too bad its so common amongst adults, too... .elle denise.s last blog post..Downtown $1 or Less Days in Baltimore
Michelle Delores Wednesday - 19 / 11 / 2008 Reply

Wow....as an HIV/AIDS Educator it is my duty to make "safe sex" and the use of condoms sexy, attractive...HOT. I hope to reach as many as possible because these stats sadden me, however in this day and time, I'm so not surprised. It just reminds me that I have more work to do.
T. Rogers Wednesday - 19 / 11 / 2008 Reply

@Michelle, Not to be negative, but there is really no way to make using condoms sexy or attractive. Why? Because it's not. They are uncomfortable and inconvenient. We all know this. Teenagers know this. They are still very necessary. These young people are literally playing with their lives. When I first introduced condoms to my younger brother when he was a teen I did not try to make them out to be attractive. I pitched them as potential life savers and birth control. I made sure he understood the lack of convenience and comfort was a trade off to staying healthy and not producing any unwanted children. I applaud you for your work. It is very important. We just have to remember these kids are often more pragmatic than we are.
Michelle Delores Wednesday - 19 / 11 / 2008 Reply

I understand, but through education condoms can be made sexy, it's all in presentation. Prime example, the way in which to use flavored condoms, pitch it to a teen in the sense of a partner w/funky "spunk" as labeled on Sex and the City (my fav show). W/the flavored comdoms, you can satisfy your partner, and enjoy a better taste simultaneously. I totally understand your view, but even if I'm able to reach one teen by offering the various ways to use condoms, then I will have prevented one from the many diseases out here. Thanks for your feedback, this helps me to do a better job.
Anna Wednesday - 19 / 11 / 2008 Reply

I am not surprised by this at all. I do however think that the majority of those girls having sex is with older men. Most 14 year old boys are into video games and sports, if your lucky school work. I am so glad I am not a teen. They are too easily pressured I am not sure where the self esteem went. But then again, most of their parents are already grandparents still trying to "drop it like it's hot" in the club. This is just lack of parenting. Keep the kids busy with extracurricular activities and church, they will be to tired to be so bored that the only thing they can think to do is have sex. Yes 14% of those polled said they have sex at school. We also have to factor in those kids who have been raped/molested, that usually does lead to promuscuity.(sp). I am mad that those who choose to do grown folk things don't think enough of themselves to wrap it up. I am 41 and even at my age if I found out I had a STD first I would kill my hubby but I would also feel so ashamed and embarrassed. Some of these kids just don't give a damn. I know it was easy for me to say "lack of parenting" but sex ed is being taught in health class. "Kids gone wild".
MissJay Thursday - 20 / 11 / 2008 Reply

@Anna Sex Ed is being taught but you have folks who don't want that to happen. They want abstinence to be taught and personally I think that's a good thing, I also think they still need sex ed taught in schools. If they're gonna do it anyway (:(), at least teach them to be safe while they do it.
MissJay Thursday - 20 / 11 / 2008 Reply

Sorry guys in parenthesis that's :( Should've spaced it better.
T. Rogers Thursday - 20 / 11 / 2008 Reply

"I know it was easy for me to say “lack of parenting” but sex ed is being taught in health class." Anna that is so true. Even though moms broke it all down to me when I was 12, I learned everything in 7th grade health ed class also. So the kids know the biological side of what's going on. The problem is they are too immature to understand how their emotions, self image, and self esteem relate to their sexual behavior or lack thereof. Sex is sold to them as a commodity. It is something with value that can be traded for other things of value. Those things include: money, popularity, companionship, acceptance, so-called maturity, the illusion of personal freedom, etc. Unfortunately, many learn the hard way that sex is not a commodity. It is part of a person's core mental, emotional, and physical make up. To routinely barter it for shallow gain usually leads to serious issues mentally, emotionally, and of course physically.
Na Thursday - 20 / 11 / 2008 Reply

@ Michelle- I hope your teaching sex ed. to adults because if your talking to children about episodes of Sex and the City and teaching them fun and hip ways to engage in sex. I'm afraid your part of the problem not the solution. There are enough t.v. shows that glamorize sex. Sadly, those children probably know more than most adults. Sex should not be described to children as sexy, cool, or hip. That does nothing but make them want to have sex. I believe that children should be taught abstinence and the dangers of having sex. Let them meet a teengage mother, a person who's living with HIV, and person who lost a loved one from AIDS. That's the only way to bring the point home. Parents also need to talk to thier children aboutt sex especially if you have girls.
Anonymous Thursday - 20 / 11 / 2008 Reply

Thanks for the comment Na, and I respect your views. I was merely making a referene to a scene in the show (Sex and the City) in my comment. Of course I'm not teaching child's sex education however I have had to speak to people who's children have engaged in sex as early as 8. I do agree with you in that no sex is the safest sex, however, people are entitled to choices. When a teen, tween, or adult comes to me for information, that's what I provide, information. When I spoke of making condoms sexy, I didn't mean in the sense of glamourizing sex, but if a person wishes to engage in sexual activity, it's my hope that they protect themselves as much as possible, that's all. There are many parents who choose not to talk to their children about sex for their own reason. You'd be surprised at how many parents ask others to discuss sexual activity whether it be abstinence or other options such as the proper use of a condom which is not 100% safe. Again, I understand, and agree with you.
Kryssi Friday - 21 / 11 / 2008 Reply

Wow!!! Although it's not really shocking, it never ceases to amaze me how the number continues to rapidly grow! The environment as well as the media is taking a horrible toll on our youth. I live in South Carolina (a small state, with small cities) and the number of full blown AIDS cases are jaw-dropping. Looking at that alone is enough to make you want to practice abstinence. But for the youth that don't keep track of that type of thing, the best abstinence education comes from home (that is, if you're from a well put together family) whom better to tell a girl about the dangers, and consequences of a loose sex life than her mother, and vice versa with the boys. If that can't be achieved i agree with abstinence education rather than sex education. We're loosing too many of our people, young and old, to one of the deadliest diseases present today! Its sad, but it's reality. Encourage these young sisters to uphold the temple that God blessed them with. Respect it, and others around you will too. Love yourself, even when those lil boys don't!
Teems Sunday - 23 / 11 / 2008 Reply

That sounds about right. Those statistics were true even when I was 15. I don't think it has anything to do with education or self esteem. I think its about being cool. Fitting in...and being bored. Teemss last blog post..A Bad Taste
Kim C. Wednesday - 03 / 12 / 2008 Reply

this is no news to me. i graduated from highschool in 2000 in the metro-atlanta area and all those kids were off the chain!!! still are the parents are so busy working and focused on maintaining status of having big homes and big cars that their children are going down the drain. unfortunately, not to burst people's bubbles, the saying's true that YOU CAN'T HAVE IT ALL. they need to let some dreams wait for awhile(kids grown), live modestly and do whatever it takes to raise and care for their wild crazy children
Harriet Saturday - 06 / 12 / 2008 Reply

I think everyone has made some great comments. I just want to hone in on one issue that "anonymous" brought up. She (or he) said that "I do agree with you in that no sex is the safest sex, however, people are entitled to choices." When you're talking about a minor, in my opinion, there should be no choice in the matter. Ultimately, when kids get to be a certain age, they start "smelling themselves" and doing what they want to do, but the onus is upon parents to ensure they guide and direct their children in the right direction. My parents did not demonize sex, but they ensured I knew that it was reserved for marriage only. They were very strict when it came to dating, what I watched on television, etc. When I got to college, I experimented a lot, and by the time I turned 21, I was giving up the drawers. Nevertheless, by the time I turned 22, I realized what a mistake I'd made, and chose to remain celibate until I married at 27. At any rate, I appreciate my parents for being strict in that area, and I will teach my children the same. I appreciate my parents for choosing to guide and direct me as opposed to being my "friend" and espousing the fallacious viewpoint that "if you're going to do it, I'd rather you do it in my home so I'll know you're safe."
tempo dulu Saturday - 16 / 01 / 2010 Reply

I blame the music and TV. .-= tempo dulu´s last blog ..Seven amazing sex facts about Indonesia =-.
Jessica Wednesday - 21 / 04 / 2010 Reply

You have to take into consideration that this was a poll conducted online, so that right there creates a bias in the general population, because most of the girls that participated in this poll are girls that watch the Tyra show. Also in the poll, Tyra suggested that girls who are expressive about sex participate, so that once again limits the people participating in it, chances a large percentage of the girls that participated in the study are girls who are liberal about their sex lives. Point is, although this study had an outstanding sample size, it is not representative of the general population, because the participants were not randomly selected.