The study was carried out by researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.

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Researchers found that teenage boys who had sex education in school were 71 percent less likely to have intercourse before age 15, and girls who had formal sex education were 59 percent less likely to have sex before age 15.

"Sex education seems to be working," Trisha Mueller, an epidemiologist with the CDC who led the study, told the reporters. "It seems to be especially effective for populations that are usually at high risk."

Sex education also increased the likelihood that teen boys would use contraceptives the first time they had sex, according to the study.

Researchers analyzed responses from 2,019 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 to the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth and concluded that formal sex education also seems to lead to safer sex.

The study said boys who had received sex education were almost three times more likely to use birth control the first time they had sex, but no such associations were found among girls.

"Unlike many previous studies, our results suggest that sex education before first sex protects youth from engaging in sexual intercourse at an early age," said researchers in the study.

Answered by Reeta K , an ibibo Master, at 6:35 PM on May 11, 2008

it's now a debatable matter. but to me, puberty is the right time when bodily changes along with psychological changes begin to take place. in our country, girls start puberty from 11 years in an average and boys start one or two years later. so, 12 yrs or 7th standard is the best time.

Answered by Dr Subarna , an ibibo Citizen, at 5:03 PM on May 06, 2008

About 14yrs. By this time girls start menstruation indicating the onset of their fertile period & the time for them to know the precautions they have to take.

Answered by Dr.Aniruddha , an ibibo Advisor, at 3:16 PM on April 22, 2008

Now a days many schools have staretd to impart sex education in 5 th standard.Even in primary classes they have been made aware about it by puppet shows etc.At an individuals level one can try to make the child aware in it's own ways .It is no more left to the teen age because of too much media and film eposure to the children and also the changing environment which makes them subjected to impart the right and wrongs at an early age.

Answered by anitaraizada , an ibibo Specialist, at 12:01 AM on April 22, 2008

Studies have shown that around the age of 16 is appropriate.

Answered by Sudha , an ibibo Specialist, at 9:33 PM on April 21, 2008

The moment they enter teens they should be given sex education. Around 13 to 18 is the best age

Answered by Vidya Anand , an ibibo Advisor, at 8:28 PM on April 21, 2008

CHILDREN ARE CONSERNED ABOUT SEX AT A VERY YOUNG AGE ,BEFORE THEY ENTER THEIR TEENS.THEY ARE EXPOSED TO SEX RELATED ISSUES THROUGH TV,INTERNET ,FRIENDS ,MAGAZINES ETC.I THINK EVERY TIME A CHILD ASKS A QUESTION RELATED TO SEX SHOULD BE DISCUSSED TO HIM /HER MATURELY BY PARENTS.LIKE A MALE CHILD SHOULD BE INFORMED ABOUT EMMISSION OF WET DREAMS AND A GIRL CHILD SHOULD BE INFORMED ABOUT MENSURATION BEFORE IT HAPPENS.ANSWER QUESTIONS AS MUCH AS HE CAN UNDERSTAND ,IT WILL HELP CHILD DEVELOP POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS SEX.

Answered by sanya , an ibibo Master, at 7:51 PM on April 21, 2008

As per me, the correct time for educating teens about sex when they are at thier puberty stage (around 12 to 14 years of age). This is because, teenager's body undergo lot of hormonal changes during thier puberty and they become sexually active. This is also the time when most of us wants to learn more about sex and due to improper education, our teens may mislead the ideal path.

Answered by Raj Aloney , an ibibo Citizen, at 6:21 PM on April 21, 2008

Schools should start sex eduction for teens at the tender age.

Answered by deepa iyer , an ibibo Advisor, at 5:58 PM on April 21, 2008