You can help your child by modelling and reinforcing values and beliefs about safety, responsibility, honest communication and respect in relationships by treating your partner with respect and talking about how to stay safe. Most teenagers will experiment with sexual behaviour at some stage — this is a normal, natural and powerful urge in these years. But not all teenage relationships include sex. Teenagers are also maturing emotionally and socially. They might want romantic intimacy and ways to express love and affection.

Feelings and emotions on this subject can be really powerful. So, what do you need to think about? A lot of things. There are personal and value-based decisions you need to consider.

Adolescent sexuality is a stage of human development in which adolescents experience and explore sexual feelings. Interest in sexuality intensifies during the onset of puberty , and sexuality is often a vital aspect of teenagers' lives. Sexual interest among adolescents, as among adults, can vary greatly, and is influenced by cultural norms and mores , sex education , as well as comprehensive sexuality education provided, sexual orientation , and social controls such as age-of-consent laws. Sexual activity in general is associated with various risks. Contraceptives specifically reduce the chance of pregnancy.