Facebook to help parents in sex talk | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Facebook to help parents in sex talk

IANS | By, Washington
May 02, 2010 12:51 PM IST

For parents who are wondering how they should talk to their children about sex, the writing may be on the wall - or on their child's Facebook page. Read on to know more.

For parents wondering when they should talk to their children about sex, the writing may be on the wall - or on their child's Facebook page.

New research suggests that display of sexual references on teens' Facebook profiles is associated with their intention to initiate intercourse.

"Parents and physicians are often seeking clues for when it's time to have 'the talk' about sex with a teenager," said Megan A. Moreno of University of Wisconsin-Madison who co-authored the study with Dimitri A. Christakis of the Seattle Children's Research Institute.

"Our study suggests that if sexual content is noted on a teen's social networking site profile, it's definitely time for that talk," Moreno added.

Moreno's team previously found that 54 per cent of MySpace profiles contained high-risk behaviour information, with 24 per cent referencing sexual behaviour.

The researchers hypothesised that these displays may represent involvement in risk behaviours or consideration of risk behaviours.

HT Image
HT Image

In the current study, researchers investigated what sexual displays on social networking sites represent in the offline world.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

They identified publicly available Facebook profiles of college freshmen, 85 of whom completed a survey measuring sexual experiences, risky sexual behaviour, and for those not yet sexually active sexual intention.

Researchers found a strong association between display of sexual references on Facebook and self-reported intention to initiate sexual intercourse, said a University of Wisconsin-Madison release.

The authors concluded that social networking sites present innovative opportunities for clinicians, educators and parents to identify adolescents who may benefit from targeted education regarding safe sex practices prior to sexual initiation.

The study will be presented at the Paediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On