
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, April 4, 1994                   TAG: 9404040127
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

HALF A BILLION TEENS DEAL WITH SEX, REPORT SAYS

Some 700 million teen-agers around the world are struggling with increasingly complex questions about sex, but a new report says most are not getting the help they need to find answers.

Evolving cultural standards, the spread of AIDS, changing laws on abortion, a worldwide trend to delay marriage and economic changes are all affecting the way young people deal with sexuality.

In a report released Sunday, Population Action International - a nonprofit family planning advocacy group - concluded that millions, if not hundreds of millions, of teens are at risk.

And the age at which sexual activity begins is decreasing as overall health improves, according to international studies. By 2000, a billion teen-agers will be facing sexual challenges and desires.

- Associated Press

by CNB