Attitudes towards sex in Germany vs. the US

Having spent a good amount of time in both Germany and the United States, I have noticed one very big difference. And the difference has to with the attitude towards sex in both countries.

In Germany, sex as seen as a natural thing that happens, even between young people. Most German teenagers who are in relationships are allowed to sleep at each other houses (and yes, I mean together in the same bed). Even if they have their significant other just come over for the day, they are allowed to go up to the teen's room together, close the door, and be undisturbed. Sometimes they're having sex, sometimes they're not. But they have the opportunity to do so. And their parents aren't stopping them. They themselves were brought up that way and would rather have their children doing it at home than in a car somewhere. Sex is a fact of life, and other than telling their children to be safe, German parents aren't going to do much else about it.

In America, at least where I grew up, sex is seen as an act between two consenting adults. Parents don't want their teens having sex, and they aren't going to condone having it done in their home. In high school, having a significant other sleep in the same room/bed with their teen is going to be out of the question. Sex=pregnancy. Sex is dangerous and is only for adults. Most parents are just going to say not to do it, others will talk about birth control: and then proceed to tell their children not to do it.

What do I think? I think an open attitude towards sex is more healthy. I think parents and children should be able to talk about it, and I think teens should learn how to be responsible (according to recent studies, more American teens get pregnant than European teens. doesn't that tell anyone anything?) While I most likely would not let a child have their significant other sleepover until they are 18 (even that wasn't allowed in my home: but it has to do with American culture)-a senior in high school, I would let them have their significant other over, go in their room during the day, close the door, etc. You have to trust your child. It makes no sense to not allow them any freedom up until you send them off to college. It's no wonder so many college kids "go wild."

What do you think?? Please post comments on Facebook.