Teens may seek sexual role models in parents, not peers

Some parents point fingers at the media or so-called irresponsible friends when their children are found to have engaged in risky sexual behavior. Scantily clad celebrities and sexual innuendos seen on countless television shows and in movies are often blamed for corrupting "good kids."

However, a recent study presented at the annual conference of the Canadian Pediatric Society indicated that parents may have more to do with their children's sexual behavior than they may think.

According to the study's results, 45 percent of the 1,171 youth participants considered their parents to be their primary role model for sexuality. Meanwhile, only 32 percent looked to their friends and 15 percent took inspiration from celebrities, the findings showed.

The investigators noted that open communication about sexuality between parents and kids resulted in a better understanding of the risks that accompany sexually transmitted diseases and higher levels of sexual responsibility.

"Parents seem to underestimate their role and the impact that they have. Health professionals and the media have an important role to play in empowering parents and enabling them to increase their communications with their children with regards to sexual health issues," said lead researcher Jean-Yves Frappier.