A survey of 160 American teenagers aged between 13 and 18 conducted online revealed that most religiously conservative families have strict attitudes towards sexual matters. Religious schools promote abstinence until marriage but do not provide adequate knowledge about contraception methods for married couples. They consider premarital sex to be immoral and shameful.
Some parents teach their children how to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STD transmission. Such parents are more likely to discuss topics such as consent, respect, and communication regarding sex. Many families encourage their children to wait until they are older before engaging in sexual activities.
Religious families
Families that hold strongly to traditional values teach sexual education to their children through religion. Parents often explain sexuality within the context of God's will, sin, or the devil's influence. They may refer to specific passages from the Bible or Quran. Religious books emphasize that God created sexual intimacy for procreation, love, and pleasure within marriage. Sex before marriage is considered a sin. Parents who follow this approach use religious arguments to discourage their children from having sex outside of marriage. The consequences of sinning include losing God's favor, being cast out of church, and damnation. This can lead to feelings of guilt, fear, and confusion. It also creates barriers to seeking accurate information on sexual health.
Knowledge
A review of studies shows that young people with restrictive upbringings have lower levels of knowledge about birth control, condoms, and STD prevention compared to their secular peers. Their lack of knowledge leads them to make poor decisions and engage in risky behaviors. They tend to believe common myths about contraception, such as thinking it will not work if they drink alcohol or use drugs. Religious teenagers are more likely to rely on abstinence-only approaches, resulting in unplanned pregnancy and increased risk of contracting diseases. In some cases, lack of information can result in unsafe abortions. Sex education programs should incorporate religious values while providing scientifically proven facts about human anatomy and reproduction.
Relational conduct
Restricted families instill traditional gender roles, whereby boys must be masculine and girls submissive. Boys learn how to dominate women and may view sexual activity as proof of manliness. Girls feel pressured to please their partners without enjoying the act. Conservative teens are often confused when confronted with situations involving consent, agency, and sexuality outside of heterosexual relationships. Some teens are taught that same-sex attractions or non-penetrative sex is immoral. These beliefs create feelings of shame and stigma for LGBTQ+ individuals. Such children grow up feeling unwanted by society and God.
Ethical judgment
Parents who promote abstinence until marriage teach children that sex is dirty or impure. This creates feelings of guilt, confusion, and fear. The lack of accurate knowledge leads to misconceptions about birth control methods and STD prevention. They believe premarital sex is always wrong regardless of circumstance. Adolescents who engage in sexual activities outside of marriage are seen as immoral sinners. They face rejection from peers and religious community. Many religious communities shun people who do not conform to strict standards. This can lead to isolation and mental health problems.
Conservative sexual education within religious families impacts adolescent sexual knowledge, relational conduct, and ethical judgment. Religious teaching influences perceptions of sexual activity as sinful, dirty, and unnatural. It also promotes traditional gender roles and restrictive attitudes towards homosexuality and non-heteronormative behavior. Parents must provide comprehensive information on contraceptives and safe practices to protect their children's health. Education programs should incorporate religious values while providing scientifically proven facts about human anatomy and reproduction.
How does conservative sexual education within religious families affect adolescent sexual knowledge, relational conduct, and ethical judgment?
The way that conservative sexual education within religious families influences teenage sexual understanding, behavior, and moral judgement may differ for various individuals. Some people might encounter little to no information on sex until they become adults while others could be given limited details about it throughout their childhood.