Benefits of Waiting

Research shows that teens who wait to have sex increase their chances for a happier marriage, more stable future family, increased personal responsibility, and productive citizenship.
In addition, delayed sexual debut often:

• Increases academic achievement
• Promotes better physical and psychological health including less depression
• Produces less risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and drugs
• Discourages involvement in delinquent behavior
• Develops better self-efficacy and self-regulation skills and
• Increases financial net worth.  (Individuals are less likely to live in poverty.)