Teen Sexuality

Sexuality is a complex phenomenon that involves interactions between one's biological sex, core gender identity, and gender role behavior. The development of one's sexuality begins in infancy and proceeds in a continuum throughout adulthood. For appropriate development of healthy adult sexuality, one must successfully and healthily complete each stage. During adolescence, many physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes are occurring and proceed in a predictable pattern. Throughout the course of puberty, one's body and mind grow from those of a child to those of an adult. Teens are at risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and dating violence during this tumultuous time. Teens who identify as GLBT are at increased risk of violence, depression, and substance abuse.