Intimate Life of Teenagers: How to Encourage Them to Consult with Parents

A new Israeli study has found that teenagers are more willing to discuss intimate issues with parents if they have a trusting relationship, especially with their mother. Family views on sexuality have little effect on the willingness to seek advice. The key is closeness and trust.

A new Israeli study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies has found that teenagers are more willing to discuss intimate issues with parents if they have a trusting relationship, especially with their mother. Family views on sexuality have little effect on teenagers' willingness to seek advice. The study involved 591 adolescents aged 14 to 18. 21% of boys and 11% of girls reported having already started sexual activity. Girls were more likely to seek help than boys. Adolescents aged 16-18 were less likely to discuss intimate topics with fathers than younger participants. Researchers emphasize that trust and emotional closeness are more important than conservative or liberal parental views.