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seems to be as equally ignorant to the problem.

The fact that our children pass through puberty at or around the age of 12 is biologically meaningful, and with it comes message we're so apt to ignore. Their bodies are proceeding through the physical changes that are the first signs of adulthood. As they move through this transformation so too are they passing through one that is psychological. Mentally, though unbeknownst to them, they are becoming aware of themselves, and are beginning to enter a stage where they feel more self-governance. For many, the ambitions that parents have always deemed as important, like academics, pale in comparison to the importance they place upon their social lives. Consequently, the effort they put into the activities where their parents still hold high expectations lessen in favor to their sociality which moves up in priority. They feel the urges that accompany their passing through puberty, and their interest in sexuality becomes real. They aren't paying heed to the warnings from their parents, or teachers, or coaches, or even their spiritual advisors who are telling them, "Just say no!" Instead, they are listening to their urges, and they are experimenting with their new found curiosities.

There was a time in history when children were made responsible at a failry young age. They were given chores in and around the household, and some were even performing the role of "servant" by the age of seven. It was not uncommon for boys to begin life on their own at the age of 16, and with "women" being betrothed to them by the age of 12. Girls passed into "womanhood" when they experienced their menarche, and by that time were well accustomed to all of the duties necessary in maintaining a household. Contrary to what one might assume, most of these women did not start bearing children until the age of 16. The decisions they made in dealing with their sexuality were far more responsible than those of many of our children. In this day in age we tend to focus more on academics than we do on trying to ready our children for life beyond school. They are far less responsible than the children were then, and the age in which we feel they're prepared to start life on their own is much older. This, however, does not mean that their bodies aren't carrying the same sexual urges at the age of 12 and 13. Indeed they are.

When it comes to "growing up" America is one of the only countries that restricts the process so vehemently. While America has the

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