TV, other factors lead to early teen sex: Study

NEW YORK -- Too much television, low self-esteem, disappointing grades and poor family relationships can be a formula that adds up to early teenage sex, according to a new study.

"If you add up all the factors, you get a much more powerful predictor of who has sex and who doesn't," said Dr. Janet Hyde, of the University of Wisconsin, who headed the research team.

"One thing probably by itself is not going to do it, but by the time you get two or three risk factors, things start to go downhill," she added

One of the best predictors for early teen sex is television viewing, in part because television programs portray higher levels of sexuality for teens and adults than exists in reality, the researchers said.

The researchers recommend that all of the risk factors for early teen sex be addressed and that parents participate in the process, as well as teachers and counselors.

They also called for comprehensive sex education programs so teens can protect themselves if they have sex.

"If we have comprehensive sexuality education so that kids really can make informed choices and protect themselves, that's a much better strategy," said Hyde.