STD Data Come as No Surprise, Area Teenagers Say

(Jane Bell - AP)

"It's to fit in, peer pressure," Christine said, noting that virgins are often mocked. Also, "sex sells on TV."

Khadijah chimed in that some young girls found their inspiration in the popular R&B singer Rihanna, whose latest album is titled "Good Girl Gone Bad."

But Christina suggested something closer to home. "Write this down," she said. "Bad parenting."

Local health officials suggest that parents speak more openly about sex with their children and as early as the fourth grade. More youth education programs about delaying sex and taking care of one's body also would help, they said.

Granados, the Woodson junior, says peer education would be more effective.

Woodson, she said, offers college-preparation forums for students that include presentations by former students. Why not do something like that with STD education?

"If girls saw other girls come onstage and tell what happened to them, maybe they'd say, 'Oh, it really can happen to me.' "

Staff writers Nelson Hernandez and Lori Aratani contributed to this report.