Colorado kids waiting longer, says new report on teenagers and sex

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Photo: Youth Action DayNew research shows Colorado teenagers are changing their behavior and their attitudes about sex. A report by the nonprofit Colorado Youth Matter finds that young people are waiting longer and that teenage births are down in Colorado. It credits better sex education classes that go beyond the basic "facts of life."

"Really, when we talk about sex ed and comprehensive sex ed, we’re not just talking about condoms, contraceptives, abstinence," says Lisa Olcese, Colorado Youth Matter Executive Director. "We’re talking about relationships, decision-making, treating others with respect."

The group reports on adolescent sexual health about every other year. The 2014 study finds Colorado's teen birth rate is at a historic low. It fell 55 percent between 1990 and 2012. The incidence of some sexually transmitted infections is down. But Olcese says another finding is cause for concern.

"We're also noticing that, while less frequent, the sexual activity among younger teens is riskier," she says. "Meaning that younger teens are both less likely to use contraceptives and more likely to be coerced into having sex."

The study says 61 percent of high school seniors, and 41 percent of high school students overall, report having had sex at least once.

The full report is at coloradoyouthmatter.org.