Ellen Goodman

In the following viewpoint, syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman reports on a study that found that parents have an important effect on whether their teenage children are sexually active. Teens who have a close relationship with their parents have a lower rate of teen sex and teen pregnancy, according to the study. Goodman encourages parents to talk with their children about sex and values, noting that talking to them about sex does not encourage them to be sexually active.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. By what percentage had the teen pregnancy rate declined since 1993, as cited by Goodman"

2. According to researchers, is abstinence-only education or better use of contraception responsible for the drop in birthrates"

3. What is the first tip for parents who want to help their children avoid teen pregnancy, as cited...