[nlc315]

I'm 21, so I'm not sure if it's the perspective you're looking for. Honestly, that's around the normal age. Ask yourself this...how old are you supposed to be to have sex? You could argue the maturity angle or what not, but having serious relationships in these late HS years helps people learn for the future. Say and think what you want, but unless you're both WAY religious, no male/female dating kind of relationship is a serious one unless sex is involved. You can only learn by having them, making mistakes, and learning from them. Personally, I'd just give them privacy...put it outta your mind. The denial pill is the best bet. If a place to go isn't easily accessable, it puts stress on the time when they do have, and the mentality of, "well...i don't care we don't have a condom, this is the only time in the near future, so let's go," might set in. Talking about it is going to be awkward, and although you might be able to get the stones to have a talk with them...you had time to ready yourself...they didn't. Schools preach abstinence, which is unrealistic, so if you want them to know the value of protection against STD's, mention to the family doctor the situation and have him/her give the kid a little speal the next time he's in for a visit. If it comes from the parent, it kinda seems like it's a forced choice, whereas if it's information that's given they're making the mature decision to follow it, which makes it more likely.

Finally, lol, look at it from his perspective. If something goes wrong, which it inevitably will, and they breakup, having wanted to have sex, but were unable to find a setting, he'll regret it. Trust me ;-)