Teen FAQ

Masturbation is often the first experience of sexual "pleasure" for teenagers. From a medical point of view, there is nothing harmful about masturbation and it is seen by psychologists as a normal part of human development. However, many different faiths do see masturbation as "sinful." It isn't necessarily that these faiths see sex or sexual pleasure as wrong, but what is seen as sinful is the separation of sexual satisfaction from the giving and receiving of pleasure that can take place in a committed relationship. For many people, their faith says that the creator's intention for the gift of sexuality is that sexual drives should be oriented toward communion with another person in the mutual love and commitment of marriage. So what do you believe about that? Part of growing up and becoming an adult is making decisions about the place of faith and spirituality in your life. Many people struggle with the same question you have in their lives, so you are not alone. If you feel comfortable, talk to your spiritual leader, like a minister, about your church's view on this matter.