[4] Although there is a lack of research on the effects of mass media which is specific to Canadian adolescents, studies have been conducted in similar cultures (such as the United States).
[5] Garriguet's (2005) analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth found that by age 14 or 15, about 13% of Canadian adolescents have had sexual intercourse.
The study was conducted because in 2005, northeastern British Columbia experienced a 10% increase in the incidence of chlamydia infections, exceeding the provincial average by 38%.
[7] Goldenberg and colleagues' (2005) ethnography identified the mobility of the oil–gas workforce, binge partying, a high level of disposable income and gender–power dynamics[7] as the main social, cultural, and structural factors affecting adolescent sexual behaviour in Fort St. John.
A noteworthy point[8] was that 13% of the young women lacked effective contraception at last intercourse[8] (compared to 11% nationally), which may indicate a need to increase sexual health education in the region.
The National Population Health Survey began its first 12-month cycle of data collection in early June 1994, and continues to do so every other year.
This survey is a major part of the effort to improve the information available on health policies and programs in Canada during a period of economic downturn and budgetary pressure on the health-care system.
[9] The survey produces both periodic cross-sectional information to monitor programs and longitudinal data to improve understanding of what determines good health.
[3] Compared to previous generations, the majority of contemporary Canadian adolescents are taking more precautions for their sexual health (by increased contraceptive use and seeking abortion when necessary).
[6] A 2001 study by Maticka-Tyndale analyzed the sexual health status of Canadian adolescents in comparison to other developed countries.
Canadian rates of teenage pregnancy and birth appeared more favorable than those of the United States, and about the same as Australia, England, and Scotland.
However, Canada's statistics are less favourable than the northern European countries when comparing teen birth rates, improvements and research.
Maticka-Tyndale states in her research that Canada tends to borrow data from similar countries, in the belief that those statistics also apply to its own citizens.
In addition, long-term adolescent relationships result in a reduced use of condoms and reliance on other contraceptive methods, increasing the risk of STD.
Canadian studies have found that these sexual minorities feel higher levels of distrust among health and social service providers.
These adolescents have difficulty accessing available sexual health services due to homophobia on the part of Canadian people and institutions.
Online interviews conducted in 2005 by the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health revealed that teenagers lacked extensive knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases and their consequences.
[13][14] Seventy-six percent of mothers who also completed the survey reported that they were unable to find all the sexual health information they needed to help their children.
Two areas adolescents and mothers agreed lacked information were partner abuse and the emotional aspects of sexuality.
They felt that they could learn the most from sex educators who were specially trained in sexual health, were non-judgmental, respectful to various concerns, sex-positive, and used humor and demonstrations where appropriate.
[12] Adolescents who have sex at an earlier age tend to have low academic achievement, come from lower-income households, and are born in Canada.
[6] In Canada and the United States, adolescent sexuality is often presented negatively; the concern is that opening up these topics with teenagers will encourage them to partake in those activities.
Parental mediation of adolescents' television viewing is a significant factor in countering sexual media influence.
[20] This type of parental limitation was also positively associated with increased expectations of negative health consequences following sexual intercourse.
Gender differences were greatest for internet pornography and movies, and may be due to varying motivations for seeking sexual content.
Less-restrictive cultures make their disapproval known, and educate young people to avoid premarital sex; an example is India.
Among the people of the Trobriand Islands in the South Pacific, "children begin having sex at an early age and their sexual relationships blossom during the adolescent years".
[29] Societal factors (such as family structure, parental style and monitoring) play a role in the type and timeline of sexual behaviour.
The neighbourhood is another societal factor; it has been found that the "neighborhood context may be positively or negatively associated with sexual initiation, depending on gender".
Killoren and colleagues[28] demonstrate that teens with deviant peers will engage in sexual activities earlier (and for reasons that may be understood to be wrong in that society).