--- title: Engaging Parents Reduces Risky Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents description: Pediatricians who want to help reduce risky behavior in teens should consider working with the whole family to develop a strategy for success. image: https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/TeenageBoyCROP-845x422.jpg --- - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Brochure](https://www.pcc.com/brochure/) - [Blog](https://blog.pcc.com) - [Client Support](https://support.pcc.com) [![PCC_Horizontal](https://blog.pcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PCC%20Logos/PCC_Horizontal.png?width=210&height=62&name=PCC_Horizontal.png)](https://www.pcc.com/) - Our Solution - [Why Choose PCC?](https://www.pcc.com/why-choose-pcc/) - [Financial Management Tools](https://www.pcc.com/financial-management-tools/) - [Clinical Workflow Tools](https://www.pcc.com/clinical-workflow-tools/) - [Mobile Solutions](https://www.pcc.com/mobile-solutions/) - [PCC Interoperability](https://www.pcc.com/interoperability/) - [Technical Support](https://www.pcc.com/technical-support/) - [Personalized Support](https://www.pcc.com/personalized-support/) - [Our Pricing Model](https://www.pcc.com/pricing/) - Our Results - [Pediatric Benchmarks](https://www.pcc.com/pediatric-benchmarks/) - [Client Testimonials](https://www.pcc.com/client-testimonials/) - [Success Stories](https://www.pcc.com/success-stories/) - Learn with PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/learn/) - [PCCLearn: Knowledgebase](http://learn.pcc.com/) - [PCCTalk: Client Forum](https://www.pcc.com/talk/) - [PCC Protocols Library](http://protocols.pcc.com/) - [PCMH Resources](http://pcmh.pcc.com/index.php/PCC_PCMH_Resources) - [PCC Users’ Conference](https://www.pcc.com/users-conference/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - Insights - [Smart Pediatrics Resource Center](https://www.pcc.com/smart-pediatrics-resources/) - [Cost Impact Calculator](https://www.pcc.com/cost-impact-calculator/) - [Does Your Practice Measure Up?](https://www.pcc.com/performance-calculator/) - [PCC Blog](https://www.pcc.com/blog/) - [Chip’s Blog](https://chipsblog.pcc.com/) - [Charting the Future Podcast](https://info.pcc.com/charting-the-future) - About PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/about/) - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Meet Our Team](https://www.pcc.com/team/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - [Careers](https://www.pcc.com/careers/) - [PCC Industry Pros](https://www.pcc.com/industry-pros/) - [Contact Us](https://www.pcc.com/contact-us/) [patient advocacy](https://blog.pcc.com/tag/patient-advocacy) # Engaging Parents Reduces Risky Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers examined the link between adolescent sexual behavior and parental monitoring. This meta-analysis found that there is an opportunity for providers to work with both parents and adolescents to [decrease risky adolescent behavior](http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2015/11/30/new-study-in-pediatrics-by-nyu-professor-of-social-work-examines-role-of-parents-in-reducing-risky-sexual-behavior-among-adolescents.html). Researchers Patricia Dittus, Shannon Michael, Jeffrey Becasen, Kari Gloppen, Katharine McCarthy and Vincent Guilamo-Ramos reviewed studies published between 1984 and 2014 from sources including Medline, Sociological Abstracts, and Google Scholar among others. “[Parental Monitoring and Its Associations with Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior: a Meta-analysis](http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/6/e1587)”, published online November 30th in Pediatrics, found that “Provider-initiated family-based interventions focused on parental monitoring represent a novel mechanism for enhancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health.” ## Parental Monitoring and Risk Behaviors The study looked at contraceptive and condom use as well as early sexual intercourse as indicators of risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Parental monitoring tactics included overall monitoring, monitoring knowledge and rule enforcement. These tactics were equally effective for adolescents across the age spectrum and for adolescents of both sexes. Specifically, the meta-analysis found that higher overall monitoring and monitoring knowledge were associated with increased contraceptive use and that these monitoring techniques were associated with increased condom use. Higher overall monitoring, rule enforcement, and monitoring knowledge were correlated with delayed sexual intercourse. [![Access Our Guide to Integrate Behavioral Health into Your Practice](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/373774/d9618195-52cd-49a7-b49e-5c362416ced3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/373774/d9618195-52cd-49a7-b49e-5c362416ced3) ## Impact of Clinicians The study also found that parents often look to health care providers for guidance and that parents trust the guidance of the clinicians who provide care to their adolescent children. It suggests that clinicians should work with the whole family in identifying an approach to reduce risky adolescent sexual behavior. However, the study also noted that general monitoring behaviors could be a proxy for strong parent-child relationships and greater parental involvement across the board. In an [interview with Reuters](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-parenting-teensex-idUSKBN0TK5Y120151201), principal study author Vincent Guilamo-Ramos said, "Providers can be proactive with parents and parents can have an effect on their teens if they know what to do." Practicing clinicians must consider many issues when providing care to adolescents who are or may soon be engaged in behaviors that put their health at risk. What strategies have worked with your adolescent patients and families? How do you address patient privacy with regard to adolescent sexual behavior? When is it best to leave the parents out of the conversation and to work directly with the patient? Interested in adolescent health? Read more about how clinicians are caring for adolescents in the latest issue of [The Independent Pediatrician](http://issuu.com/independentpediatrician/docs/the_independent_pediatrician_vol_4), which focuses specifically on adolescent medicine. [![Do you know the top mistakes of pediatricians?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/373774/104b8c5c-f678-47a0-aedf-e42d6fb75760.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/373774/104b8c5c-f678-47a0-aedf-e42d6fb75760) ## PCC ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) PCC has been offering pediatric-specific software, support, and practice management advice for over 30 years. Our goal is to remove the obstacles so that pediatricians can serve communities, improve their practice, and remain independent. ## You might also like ## [Pediatricians, Measles and Vaccine Hesitancy: An Interview with Dr. Seth Kaplan ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) *Editors’ Note: PCC interviewed Seth Kaplan on the West Texas measles outbreak in May of 2025. Dr...* Allie Squires on Sep 16, 2025 [Read More](https://blog.pcc.com/pediatricians-measles-and-vaccine-hesitancy-an-interview-with-dr.-seth-kaplan)](https://blog.pcc.com/pediatricians-measles-and-vaccine-hesitancy-an-interview-with-dr.-seth-kaplan) ## [The Future of Pediatric Healthcare is Independent ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) Children are our future, which means children’s healthcare is the critical infrastructure of our.. 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