Societal attitudes toward sexuality in Canada have changed significantly throughout the 20th century, primarily regarding premarital sex. Previously, society's view, values, and beliefs were strongly against premarital sex and supported abstinence until marriage. The issue of adolescent sexual behavior was then more private and even tacit. Currently, although the previous generation still maintains these values, the majority of adolescents have a positive outlook and consent to sexual activity before marriage, especially if it takes place between people in a romantic relationship, and few are open to discussing their sexuality with their partner. family and friends (Rathus, Nevid & Fichner-Rathus, 2010, p. 328). A national survey found that 27% of Canadian parents were aware of their teenager's sexual activity. In Martinez, Copen, and Abma's (2011, p. 5) report, 43% of adolescent girls and 42% of never-married adolescent boys had sex. As society's view of sexuality becomes more positive and open, more and more adolescents are engaging in sexual activity. The thesis that will be defended is that, given that sexual behavior among adolescents is widespread and prevention plans are ineffective, the government should impose mandatory sexually transmitted disease testing and physical examinations on adolescents every year. . Young people should have easy and quick access to health care services and should feel comfortable going there to inquire about their sexual health. The Consequences of Sexual Activity As many adolescents are sexually active, they are exposed to many possible risks which can be affected by bad decisions, negligence and accidents. Among the many consequences, the two main concerns are sexuality...... middle of paper ......cKee, M., Karasz, A., & Weber, CM (2004). Health-seeking among urban minority adolescents: The crisis of sexual debut. Annals of Family Medicine, 2(6), 549-554. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from EBSCO database. Rathus, SA, Nevid, JS, Fichner-Rathus, L. and Herold, ES (2010). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (3rd Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson Canada. Mayo Clinic. (2013, February). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexually-transmit-diseases-stds/DS01123 Sulak, P.J. (2004). Adolescent sexual health. Journal of Family Practice, 53S3-S4. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from EBSCO database. Wilson, A. and Williams, R. (2000). Sexual health services: what do adolescents want?. Children's Ambulatory Health, 6(4), 253-260. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from the EBSCO database.