TEENS are romping less than previous generations with even handholding now off limits, a study suggests. Researchers say today’s kids are too busy studying, watching Netflix and using social media to meet face-to-face. And their “clean-living” lifestyles mean they rarely touch booze and drugs, which would lower their inhibitions. Boffins from University College London quizzed […]
TEENS are romping less than previous generations with even handholding now off limits, a study suggests.
Researchers say today’s kids are too busy studying, watching Netflix and using social media to meet face-to-face.
And their “clean-living” lifestyles mean they rarely touch booze and drugs, which would lower their inhibitions.
Boffins from University College London quizzed 11,000 British teenagers on their sexual habits and lifestyles.
Just 3.2 per cent of 14-year-olds had engaged in “heavy” intimate activities, such as oral sex or intercourse.
Some 7.5 per cent had made it to the “moderate” level of touching or fondling another person under their clothes.
And 58 per cent had experience of “light” activities, such as cuddling, kissing or holding hands.
But one in three had not engaged in any “partnered intimate activity” whatsoever.
Previous studies found 30 per cent of people born in the 80s and 90s had sex before the age of 16.
The sexless trend is reflected in years of falling teenage pregnancy rates.
Study leader Dr Yvonne Kelly said: “Teens today are crossing fewer boundaries than previously.
“The clean-living generation are turning their backs on alcohol, drink, drugs and even sex.
“They face more pressure to perform well at school, so are spending longer studying.
“Plus they spend time at home watching Netflix, playing consoles and interacting on social media.
“It means they have less time face-to-face when these sexual activities would typically take place. There is a notable trend.”
Children who are depressed, drink, take drugs or stay out late are more likely to have had sex.
The findings are published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
