Wednesday 20 July 2011

A new study provides further evidence of parents' role as the primary educators of their children

A new study, from the University of Montreal, has found that for most teenagers, parents are their sexual role models. The International Business Times reports:
"Research from the University of Montreal shows that 45 percent of teens do consider their parents their sexuality role models ... The survey participants included 1,139 mothers of teenagers and 1,171 youths between ages 14 and 17 years...

'Good communication within families and especially around sexual health issues is associated with more responsible behaviors," said Dr. Jean-Yves Frappier, a researcher at the University of Montreal's affiliated CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center. ... 'Parents seem to underestimate their role and the impact that they have', Frappier said in a statement. '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.'"
To my mind this provides further evidence for both the truth and the principle that parents are the first and foremost educators of their children. It shows just how important it is that schools, governments and religious bodies should emphasise the importance of supporting parents, ensuring that parents have the confidence to talk about sexual matters with their children.

Comments on this blog? Email them to johnsmeaton@spuc.org.uk
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