The role of parents and peers in young people initiating sexual debut in South Africa

Age at sexual debut is an important indicator for exposure to heterosexual HIV transmission. Studies show that early sexual debut is associated with increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviour later in life (Ma et al. 2009; Sandfort et al. 2008 and Gomez et al. 2008). The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons why young girls and boys experience early sexual debut. Specifically, the study focused on the role of parents and peers in early sexual debut. Material and methods: Six qualitative focus group discussions were conducted among youth (14 to 18 years old) in six provinces of South Africa with regard to questions relating to the possible role parents and peers have in influencing a young person's decision to have early sex or not. The perception among the youth was that parents in rural areas were stricter on kids and as a result sexual debut was delayed. Urban youth on the other hand, had a perception that overprotective parents or over bearing parents led their children to experiment especially when their parents were away. They suggested that parents should give children some freedom but should give timeframes for returning home. Some participants said there was very poor parental control where parents did not worry about their children and were not aware of what their children were up to. Some participants, particularly parents, felt that the availability of protective measures such as condoms contributes to early sexual debut as there is less fear of pregnancy and other negative consequences. Parents and peers have an important role in helping young people to delay initiating sexual intercourse. Parental and peer factors that helps young people to delay sex or encourage early initiation of sexual debut include an intact family structure which provides young people with a sense of belonging and satisfaction with their families, good parent-child communication about teenage sex and its consequences and positive peer relations that do not put others under pressure to have early sex.