It’s really true that sexual encounters have a negative impact on teen emotions. Teens, girls especially, were more likely to feel bad about themselves or express a sense of having been used after having sex. A significant percentage also noted that while sex was pleasurable and increased their popularity, they had to deal with unexpected pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.

The sexual revolution opened up teens to sexual “freedom”, but when the baby boomers decided to make love and not war, they did not appreciate the full extent of problems that come with sexual irresponsibility, i.e. sexual immorality. Not only are diseases and pregnancies waiting for promiscuous teens, but so are a host of emotional problems.

Human beings release the chemical oxytocin during human bonding times. For instance, when babies nurse, or when men and women make love, oxytocin is released. Oxytocin has been associated with strong emotional bonds between babies and mothers, or between men and women. When that bond is broken - through a breakup, for instance - both women and men can feel stupid, used, and unloved.

Sexual immorality has caused great turmoil - from the breakdown of the marriage and the dissolution of the family, to teen pregnancy and disease, to broken hearts and the inability to form healthy relationships.

While teens may engage in sexual activity anyway, we as adults need to teach them the full range of reasons - spiritual, physical, and emotional - to remain sexually pure. For some practical tools to help teens stay strong to their commitments to wait until marriage, see the web sites below.