Teenagers less likely to have sex because they prefer spending time with their families

A new report has revealed that teenagers are becoming less likely to have sex because they prefer spending time with their families.

The new findings were published by British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who revealed that teenage conception rates in England and Wales have fallen by 60 per cent since 1998, and by 55 cent since 2007.

Out of the 1,000 16-18 year olds surveyed, only one third (34 per cent) said they had had sex.

One of the reasons behind the decrease in sexual activity is that teenagers nowadays are more family-oriented and 'more likely to place high value on time with their family than their friends', which could impact on their opportunities for sexual relationships.

Technology is also mentioned in the report, as sexting is seen as an alternative to intercourse - but also as a precursor to it.

Another interesting finding from the survey is that teenagers are now drinking significantly less alcohol and their views on excessive alcohol consumption are also changing - with most seeing it as a dangerous activity that puts them at risk of unwanted incidents.

Drinking less alcohol is also having an impact on their sexual activity, as the researchers said on the reports that 'teenagers who consumed alcohol at lower levels were less likely to have engaged in sexual activity, suggesting changing drinking behaviours may have contributed to the decline in conceptions'.

BPAS head of policy research Katherine O'Brien said that rates of teenage pregnancy could be brought down even further by the the government's plan for mandatory relationships and sex education in schools, which will start from September 2019.

She said: 'Our research reveals that this is a generation who are focused on their education, aware of economic challenges but determined to succeed regardless and many of whom enjoy time with their families as much as with partners and friends.

'They seem to place significant value on responsibility and maturity, particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption and sex.

'We believe that young people themselves are making different choices about the way they live their lives.'