Research and public opinion survey data both show that religious faith and a strong more sense can play important roles in protecting young people from too-early sexual activity, teen pregnancy, and other risky behavior. Consider the following:
- A large federal survey found the most common reason teens gave for delaying sex was because it was against their religion or moral values (38% of girls and 31% of boys).
- 76% of those aged 12-19 agree that religious leaders should be doing more to help prevent teen pregnancy.
- 64% of adults believe that religious leaders should be doing more to help prevent teen pregnancy.
- Teens who say their peers attend religious services regularly are less likely to have sex before age 18 than those teens who peers do not.
- 64% of teens report moral and values are equally as important as health information and services in influencing teen sexual behavior.
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