Adolescence is the longest period of development characterized by rapid physical growth, reproductive maturity, and psychosocial progress (Fantasia, 2008). This phase of development brings sexual intercourse into consideration for the adolescent. Teen sex is the most popular thing. In the 1980s and 1990s, teenagers were taught that sex was taboo and that they were married. As puberty occurs at a younger age, marriage is postponed until later in life. An increasing number of sexually transmitted diseases are occurring more frequently among adolescents (Fantasia, 2008). In today's society, teenage sex is on the rise due to lack of education, lack of parental influence and peer pressure. In the past, adolescents were informed about sexuality. Now, teens need to know the pros and cons when making the decision to have sex. A teenager's cultural background may play a role in whether or not they have been educated about sexuality. According to Weyman (2008), sex and relationships education is about learning about sex, sexuality, emotions, relationships, sexual health, and ourselves. Another problem arising from lack of education is the increase in teenage pregnancies (Carlson and Tanner, 2006). Even though the number of teen pregnancies has declined in this country, the United States still has the highest rate of teen pregnancies of any developed country (Fantasia, 2008). According to Cates (2006), American youth have one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections. Most of these infections go undetected and undiagnosed. Another factor that can lead to early sexual experiences in adolescents is a lack of parental influence. Lack of parental communication may lead the adolescent to engage in sexual relations early in life with...... middle of paper ......sexual behavior: insights into parenting style [electronic version]. The Consumer Journal. 40. 144-162. Cates, J.R. (2008, May). Sexually transmitted infection education: finding common ground among youth, parents, providers, and policy advocates. Sex Education, 8(2). 129-143.Fantasia, HC (2008, April-June). Concept analysis: sexual decision making in adolescence. Nursing Forum, 43(2). 80-90. Melby, Todd. (2009, July). The end of abstinence alone? Contemporary Sexuality, 43(7). 2-6. Sieving, RE, Eisenberg, ME, Pettingell, S. and Skay, C. (2006). Friends influence an adolescent's first sexual encounter. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health,38(1). 13-19. Weyman, Anne. (nd). Putting sex in context: sex and relationships education in schools.Education Review, 17(2). 80-85