Sexuality of older siblings affects younger ones

27.02.2013 | By: T. B.

Teenagers whose older brothers and sisters are sexually active start having sex sooner. Read more about it below!

The role models are older brother and sisters. (PhotoXpress)

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In 1993, a study was conducted in Philadelphia which included 183 pairs of brothers and sisters. It was found that those whose older brothers and sisters are already sexually active are 2.5 more likely to start having sexual relations. On average, the age of the older ones in pairs was 17.4 years and the age of the younger ones was 15.1 years.

Older siblings have a considerable influence, or even a greater influence than parents and peers, on younger ones when growing up. According to the study, 46 per cent of teenagers whose older brothers and sisters are sexually active started having sexual relations. The share of those whose brothers and sisters are sexually inactive, but they are, is 24 per cent. Older brothers have a greater influence on their younger siblings than older sisters. If an older brother approved of sexual relations in teenage years, 50 per cent teenagers had them. If not, only 17 had sexual relations.

If parents are divorced, it usually means that they have less control over the child. At the same time, this is an emotionally stressful time for the child, and they need to feel that they are loved. Sexual abuse, peer pressure, illegal drugs and alcohol, early puberty are the reasons that lead to (too)early sex life. The study also assessed the influence of other factors. Among others, researchers also closely examined parents and their attitude to sexuality.

What can parents do?

Communication and monitoring the child can be of great help to you. Make sure that the child gets more important information from you, so they will not feel the need to turn to their peers. Despite that they will still go to their friends for advice, but there is less damage if they have the parent’s voice in their heads.