Cognizance for Teens' Action

Virnes Jirah G. Encila

Adolescent years are the time for rapid growth, exploration, risk taking, self-discovery, and
being more inquisitive about stuff they didn't know yet.

A trivial case that involves the teenagers is pre-marital sex. What is pre-marital sex?

It is a sexual activity that involves people who were not married. This was considered as a sin
and not approved by the church. This might be an influence from things they watch, friends, and
their own wants.

What are the effects of pre-marital sex biologically and psychologically?

Biologically, this can cause diseases like HIV/AIDS and it can cause unwanted pregnancy,
teenage pregnancy and can lead to abortion. In psychological, it can result in loss of self-respect,
regrets, loss of family support, depression, victims of bullying, substance abuse and suicidal
ideation.

Here in Jaime Macatangay Sr. National High School (JMSNHS), faculties, teachers, and staffs
have ways for the students to be aware about pre-marital sex. On October 2022, JMSNHS held a
symposium involving Grade 10-12 students, for the awareness about mental health, illegal drugs
and teenage pregnancy.

According to Mrs. Julie G. Bico, the School Guidance Counselor, "For the students to become
more aware of these issues, parental assistance is needed. The first people to instruct and warn
their children are their parents. The students must be informed because it will generate a serious
problem." Parents must also be aware of their children's actions. They are the one who were
needed to teach their children knowledge about these things.

Many of the students were against in pre-marital sex considering their opinions, such as they
have goals to achieve that they want to pursue instead of involving themselves in these cases. They
said that they want to give their parents comfort and not stress.

Pre-marital sex is not a joke or a game, it is a serious issue. This is not something that
happened and is quickly forgotten but can be something that haunts a person forever. It is not an
easy thing to try. Everyone, especially youth, must be open to these things so as not lead to
something that can be regretted. Must learn to make good and correct decisions. Be aware.