The rate of teen pregnancy in the United States has recently declined, but it's still the highest of any nation in the developed world. Four out of ten girls get pregnant at least once before they turn 20 years old. To help lower the high rate, Sex, Etc. Teen Staff Writers and our Contributors have put together these top prevention tips. —Teen Staff Writers

To Prevent Pregnancy, Teens Need to ...

... Get Access to Contraception!

Condoms should be distributed for free in school nurse's offices. France has similar programs, where they distribute condoms and birth control pills to students. It's a good idea, and the U.S. government should consider it.

—Sarah Lynam, 16, National Correspondent, Bel Air, MD

... Communicate with Each Other and Adults


If teens were taught ways to discuss sex with their partners before it happens—and if they could discuss it with adults in their lives—they'd make better decisions, whether that means abstaining from sex or pursuing safer-sex options.

—Acacia Stevens, 17, Staff Writer, Edison, NJ

... Receive Better Sex Ed!

Sex education should focus on contraception. And it shouldn't just be directed at girls, either—but guys, too. Guys need to really understand their responsibilities during and after intercourse.

—Stephanie Shui, 16, National Correspondent, RI

... Understand the Consequences

Teens need to be prepared for the consequences of unprotected sex. They need to understand the legal consequences of becoming a teen parent, like child support and custody.

—Michael Caruso, 16, National Correspondent, Milwaukie, OR

Communication is key. Usually guys are handed a condom and sent on their way, while girls have to endure lectures pushing them in a different direction (abstinence), which we all know doesn't change anything. If parents are lucky enough to have their child come to them about sex, then they should listen—not judge or criticize.

—Channel Porter, 15, National Correspondent, Norfolk, VA

... Think about WHY They're Having Sex

Teens shouldn't rush into sex; they should think about what they may risk or gain by having it. They should know how to act responsibly in a sexual relationship. They shouldn't feel pressured into having sex if they don't want to.

—Claire Marchetta, 16, Staff Writer, Princeton, NJ

... Use Protection ALL the Time

Teens need to respect themselves and not be afraid to refuse sex without a condom or go to a clinic to get contraception. (If you can't protect yourself, then you shouldn't have sex in the first place!) Guys should support girls' decisions about protection, because it takes two. If a guy tries to get out of using protection, he isn't worth it.

—Morgan Hawkins, 17, National Correspondent, McDonald, PA

Photographs by Pryde Brown Photographs