Another study looked at TV viewing in 4,808 adolescents (age 15) and initiation of sexual activity within a one-year period. About half (49%) watched TV two or more hours daily. Within one year, 791 adolescents initiated sexual activity (15.6%). Those adolescents watching 2+ hours daily were a third more likely (35%) to initiate sexual activity then adolescents who watched less than 2 hours of TV daily. Lack of parental supervision regarding what the adolescents watched was also linked to higher rates of initiated sexual activity. Limiting time in TV viewing and providing parental supervision of what is watched are two important factors that can help decrease early sexual activity among teens.

Source: Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (April 2006), 160:417-422.