average age of loss of virginity today?

[sheson-fire.livejournal.com]

ok...so i looked through the memories and found only what i had found on my own quick research...i just want someone to tell me im not crazy.
i could have sworn that in the past year..at the most... i read in the newspaper as well as hearing about it on radio talk shows..that the average age u.s. kids lose their virginity now is 12..
im having a debate about it with my husband..because all we can find is articles with no links to studies or surveys saying its around 16...
I KNOW I READ SOMEWHERE THAT IT WAS 12..
but i guess maybe its not...
anyone have any links that show like legit numbers...or at least have heard this number too?
thanks!

Comments

[bellebass.livejournal.com]

12 is so young; 16 isn't much older.

[ellinht.livejournal.com]

fair enough!
I personally (just ranting :P) think that it depends on the maturity levels of the person entering in a sexual relationship. I had sex at fourteen and don't regret it in the slightest. I was completely informed about what I was doing and knew every single implication (STD's, Pregnancy etc). I wasn't with a boyfriend but I was pretty comfortable with my body and who I was :)
I think 12 is too young, but people do tend to mature (I think the meaning of this word is highly debatable)earlier these days.
I think it is just important for kids to be educated as early as possible!

sorry, I hope you don't think I am debating your beliefs.. because as hypocritical as it may seem I do think 12 is too young, and in some cases many people aren't mature at 16. :) ignore my ranting.

[bellebass.livejournal.com]

Fear of a safe space warning (oh, our delicate sensibilities, these days!) keeps me from fully entering this discussion, but I'm glad everything has worked out well for you! And if you can't rant here, where can you? :)

[elettaria.livejournal.com]

Yes, it works out nicely for a lot of people, but for so many it's really too early, and look at the horrendous teenage pregnancy rates around. The US is the worst by far, but the UK is, while nowhere near as bad as the US, still the worst in Europe.