More American teens keeping their virginity - survey

More high school pupils in the United States are keeping their virginity following a government-backed campaign urging teenagers to avoid pre-maritial sex, it was claimed today by family values campaigners.

In 1990 54.3% of American teenagers were sexually active, indicating 45.7% were virgins, according to a survey by the US Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System.

But a similar poll of more than 13,000 high school students last year found 54.4% said they were virgins.

Family values campaigners claim the transition began in the mid-1990s when the government started funding programmes teaching teenagers to save sex for marriage.

‘‘There is no doubt that kids are responding to an unambiguous abstinence message,’’ Peter Brandt, of Focus on the Family, told the Washington Times.

But William Smith, from the US Sexuality Information and Education Council, said increased awareness of sexual transmitted diseases had led to the rise in teenage virgins.

‘‘I think that it coincides with the overwhelming number of young people who are reporting that they are getting Hiv/Aids education.’’

He said nine in 10 high school pupils were being taught about the virus.

Congress passed the abstinence education funding in 1996 as part of a reform of the US welfare law.

States that receive the extra cash are not allowed to discuss any forms of birth control in schools other than to explain their limitations.

Critics complain it has led to the spread of misinformation, with some teachers wrongly telling youngsters that condoms have a 30% failure rate.

The Bush administration wants Congress to extend the funding for a further five years when it comes up for renewal later this year.

US Health Secretary Tommy Thompson last week announced grants for extra abstinence-only education programmes for young people ages 12 to 18.

‘‘These grants will help communities develop programs that give teens the confidence and self-esteem to make good choices for themselves and their futures,’’ Mr Thomps on said.

The abstinence only education has been boosted by the success of the True Love Waits campaign in the US which has seen thousands of teenagers pledge to remain virgins until they wed.