Katie Couric TV Special

The non-interview footage throughout the show was provocative and suggestive enough for the opening disclaimer that the kids slept in their parents motel rooms and signed pledges of no drugs, no booze and no sex. It was admitted that the photo booth was brought in so one has to wonder if the hammocks and dance music were as well. Katie mentioned "sexual tension" within the group and it looks like the photographers and editors captured just what was wanted. If the teens talked about sex for two days, their lack of inhibitions is not unusual.

The teens sounded pretty intelligent during the questioning especially when given the opportunity to speak in the first person. It became pretty obvious that initial responses were generally the grist of rumor mills--less was happening than was being talked about.

The most alarming commentary was the disconnect between sex and relationships. These young teens don't have the time, money or desire to have a relationship. The boys in particular didn't want the problems of a girlfriend. So sex has become recreation. One boy equated "hooking up" to going to a driving range to practice your skills before you play golf. Get better at the technique now, add love later.

It was generally admitted oral sex was about using someone and being used. Even if the girls didn't like it, there was a hopelessness for things to be different. They know what's right and what's wrong. What they seem to lack is the guidance and support to make the right choices. They get into situations where its just easier to give in.

The present and future emotional consequences of teen sexual activity needs more attention and that is where abstinence education takes the lead. Sadly, what most kids are getting in school now is a physical-only sex education so we shouldn't be surprised that teens have compartmentalized sex . But all the evidence of real life indicates that what the body does isn't separate from what the mind thinks or the heart feels. Abstinence curriculums are a better alternative because the process of decision-making is broader than whether to wear a condom or not.