Recent studies show that adolescents who receive comprehensive and truthful information about sex make more sexually responsible decisions than their peers. These teens delay the onset of intercourse, have fewer sexual partners, are more likely to practice safe sex and have lower rates of unwanted pregnancies.

Additionally, 87% of teens feel it would be easier for them to delay sexual intercourse and practice abstinence if they were able to talk more openly and honestly with their parents.

And surprisingly, studies show that teens actually want parental input. A 2007 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Pregnancy found that parents, not peers or the media are the number one influence on children’s decision making when it comes to sex, love and relationships.

So the answer is “yes”. Having thetalk, educating children about sex and sexuality, and creating a foundation for open, honest communication between you and your child are very important.