More and more of today's youth are succumbing to the adolescent pressures of intercourse. Through television, music and print, all teenagers today are becoming more pressured to have sex. They feel that it is expected and even sometimes fall under the notion that sex is the only way to keep, or acquire the mate they desire. However, our youth should be aware that making the choice to practice abstinence is an extremely smart and admirable action to take.

Sex among today's teenage youth has hit a record high. More and more children are choosing to give themselves away through sex, under the impression that it is expected and needed to sustain or acquire a partner.

It is a sad thought that many of our society's beautiful young children are demeaning themselves through acts of random sex.

The constant pressures brought forth upon our youth by the media can become overbearing for our children. We constantly see sex on television portrayed through music videos, sitcoms, commercials, and movies. Why? Because sex sells. This is the truth - a realization that we must come to terms with. Sex in the media is here to stay and the boundaries will only be pushed further as the future unravels. Excepting this fact, we must as parents, teachers, and leaders to our youth take the necessary steps needed to educate our children on the dangers and risks associated with sex - not only the health risks, but as well, the emotional risks that could be evoked on our youths well-being.

Emotional Detriment To The Body And Soul Our youth are quickly coming under the notion that partaking in the act of sex is as meaningless an action as going to the movies with their friends. We need to instill in our children the idea that sex is a sacred act, and should be experienced without pressure or guilt. As leaders to our children, it is our responsibility - no matter how difficult it may be - to educate them on the emotional risks associated with random sex. We must instill pride in our children only through constant reassurance that no sex is good sex.

Schools, parents, and friends often speak of practicing safe sex, however it has reached a point now in our society that the more we speak of safe sex it almost seems we are promoting it. Instead of portraying the message that sex is sacred and multiple partners can lead to lower self esteem and a feeing of self disgust, embarrassment and regret when older - we send the message that sex is fine as long as you use a condom. This message is wrong as it makes our children believe that sex is...well...just sex.

The truth is that sleeping with random partners and giving the most sacred and deepest part of yourself to just anyone can leave you feeling empty, worthless and embarrassed in the future. No one - no matter what age - should be partaking in the act of just having sex for the sake of having it.

Our children need to feel a sense of self worth and pride through knowing that it is o.k. to say no - even if methods of birth control are available. Saying no and choosing to abstain from having sex is a very self empowering decision. Having the strength to say no and not succumb to pressure, guilt or society's "norm" shows great confidence, pride, and leadership. These qualities are what we as parents and leaders to our youth should try to instill in their minds.

Giving yourself to someone sexually should carry with it feelings of security, assurance, truth, respect, love, and devotion. Children do not understand these emotions, and will not until they're older, wiser, and know who they are and where they're going. It is only then, with the proper mind set that our children will be able to understand the true meaning of what sex actually is.

One day our children will meet someone they truly care for. If while they were young they abused their souls, hearts, and minds through multiple partners or meaningless sex, then they won't possess the true emotions or understanding of what meaningful sex is ment to be.

Helping our children to understand and believe that practicing abstinence is the right decision for their future is not an easy thing to do, however we must try. Abstinence will not only aid in a healthy mind and soul through the feelings of self worth and pride, but it's also the safest method of birth control, and 100% effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

Sex is a sacred act and should be viewed in such a manner. Pressure, guilt, or feeling scared should come nowhere near this special, emotional, loving event. Don't just give yourself away, left feeling cheap, worthless and ashamed. Love yourself and take pride in who you are and your body. We are only given one body and one chance to make the right decisions for our future. Have respect for yourself, for there is always someone who will respect you, your decisions, and desire you for who you are on the inside within your soul. Love yourself and respect yourself. It is o.k. to say no... you are worth so much more.