More than one third of students in a recent survey say that they are sexually active.

In this upcoming month, a lot of people know that valentine’s day is fast approaching. As this day approaches a lot of teens tend to be more sexually active than any other day. According to an article To Teen vogue,“The heightened expectations surrounding Valentine’s Day can lead to engaging in an uncomfortable or unwanted sexual experience as a “gift” to a partner.” They assume that a relationship will fill this emptiness. In other words, they are relying on their partner to eliminate the empty feeling they are experiencing.” In a recent survey of 100 random Morton East students, 37 said they have been sexually active.  Of those 37 students, 32 said they had sexual intercourse.

When asked about this subject many students stated that it was just a normal occurrence these days.

“I think students are sexually active because it’s normal for our age and because there is a lot of desire and our hormones are all over the place.” one anonymous student said.

It also seems that not only students have the same idea.

“I feel like it’s a norm it is just so normal it’s on TV,  there at that age where they want to try new things.”Gina Estrada, a representative from Corazon said.

However, some students voice that there are grimmer reasons for why students have been sexually active.

“I believe that we as teens have been shown so much insensitive material that seems so commonplace now. From how easily available it is to see nudity online, to in places that I believe that it shouldn’t be. It is sad in my opinion that I can also find magazines in my school library of dua lipa in lingerie and nude drawings at schools.” another anonymous student said

To of course, sexual decisions are not made by a single person; both parties need to discuss and consent to sex before engaging in these mature choices.

“I don’t know about other people but if you want to have sex and she is ok with it I don’t see a problem with it” One anonymous student said

Some students however believe that there it should teens shouldn’t be sexual at all.

“I was raised in a family where I was taught to fear god and as a faithful Christian,  I believe that sex should be saved for marriage. Many people think that having sex is just a pleasure train but no there is a lot to plan about. What if I get pregnant and can’t raise the baby? These are some fears that run thru my mind when I think about it.” another anonymous student said.

Some adults believe that it’s a decision that requires forethought.

“Whenever they are ready and there’s a mutual understanding of consent as well as boundaries. It’s also more ideal if both teens have sex education because there’s a decreased risk of pregnancy and STD.” Erica Hade, a social worker at Morton East said.

Whatever your decision is here are some resources that students should reach out to.

https://www.corazoncs.org/

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/