Thinking About Sex

When Is the Right Time

"A lot of religions feel it's not healthy for us to have sex at this age because we're not ready emotionally. They think we should wait 'til we get married. I feel like I wasn't ready for it and it messed me up mentally. I was kind of more immature and I kind of matured faster. I learned a lot from that experience. It helped me but it stressed me out too."
--Crystal Ly, 15, Santa Monica HS

"I think the only right time (to have sex) is when you're married."
--Sharon Hwang, 17, North Hollywood HS

"I don't think sex is really something for people to judge. Logically, I think they should wait (to have sex) just because it's gonna be easier on you with the possibility of pregnancy and getting connected to the person and they leave you. It sucks. It's hard enough growing up as a teenager. I know I'm not ready for something like that."
--Matt Jones, 16, LACES

Sex and Relationships

"I think if a teen wants to go and have sex and they're protected, that's fine. But one of the main problems with sex is people do it for the wrong reasons-for security in the relationship. They think, 'If I have sex with this person then they will stay with me?'"
--Sanet Taren, 16, Santa Monica HS

"To not have a relationship with someone in fear of them leaving you, that's not good either. There's always gonna be a risk. If you think you love the person, then I don't see a problem with it."
--Matt Jones, 16, LACES

Related articles: To Touch Or Not To Touch. Masturbation, What Are The Questions?