#33: Purity Culture

The concept of purity culture is nothing new. Nowadays, many parents support it as a way to keep their teenage kids safe from what they view as dangerous romantic activity. If they don’t date or kiss, they won’t be tempted to do other stuff. Then, they’re safe! Right? Well, not always. 

The good intentions of purity culture can have negative effects sometimes! Sheltering kids and only highlighting the dangers of dating can inadvertently prevent teens from learning how to have healthy romantic relationships with other people. Every situation is different. But as a whole, censoring information about mature topics doesn’t protect anyone. It could actually lead to the dangers that purity culture professes to prevent, like STIs and teen pregnancy.