Adults say that teenagers today are maturing faster than past generations, but they forget the fact that we are exposed to sex, drugs, and violence more than they were. Adults should realize they are at fault as well.

Nearly half (46%) of 15-19 year old American teens have had sex at least once, studies from Guttmacher Institute show. Every year, these statistics are on the rise; the number is doubled compared to when our parents were kids. How can the blame be forced onto us though?

Advances in technology allow teens to access pornography online for free. Statistics from the NOP Research Group show that nine out of ten kids have viewed porn over the Internet. If parents tried to block certain sites, this would not be a problem.

Today, teens also find it simple to sneak into an R-rated or NC-17 rated movie that may contain pornography. They merely buy a ticket for one movie and walk into a different theater. Pay Per View and On Demand TV also disposes them to uncensored material. Something as innocent as a middle school Health class could fill teens in on the details they want to know about sex. If adults are more cautious about what we are exposed to and if rules are strictly enforced, perhaps not as many teens would lose their virginity at such an early age.

Drugs and alcohol are another aspect of teen life that adults could control, but choose not to. Children usually see their parents or other adults smoking or drinking regularly while growing up. It is more likely that these same children will become addicted smokers or drinkers when they are teens. They think, ‘If my parents can do it, why can’t I?’

In some cases, parents are aware of their children’s smoking/drinking habits, but ignore it. I have even heard of teens that drink or smoke with their parents; they consider it “bonding.” Every day, nearly 3,000 teens under 18 become smokers, according to the Center of Disease Control. This number could lessen significantly if adults set a better example for kids.

56% of teenagers from age 12 to 17 reported that marijuana was easy to obtain (National Survey on Drug Abuse). In most cases, adults are irresponsibly selling marijuana and cocaine to teens, who eventually become drug dealers themselves.

While walking through the halls of Norwalk High School, foul language and violence is easily detectable as well. How many times have we heard teachers say, ‘If I used language like that when I was a kid, my parents would…’? Unlike their generation, we are able to get away with more and more. Today, teachers even curse in front of students.

Although teenagers are responsible for their own actions, adults should realize that they do have a significant role in how teens mature in regard to sex and drugs.