If you thought your teenager needs some elementary advice from you before having sex for the first time, here’s an advice: chill. They know more about doing it safely than you ever did in your teens. Teenagers who lose their virginity in 2007 are eight times more likely to use contraception as compared to those who debuted before them, according to a global study by a leading condom-manufacturer.

The 2007 Face of Global Sex Report, prepared by Durex Network, says today’s teenagers are smarter and play it safer than their parents did. “Those aged between 16 and 19 years having first sex are at least eight times more likely to have used contraception for their sexual debut than people now aged 65 years or over,” the report says.

It adds that youngsters who discuss sexual health and habits with parents are more likely to use protection.

Releasing the report on Tuesday, Peter Roach, Durex Network vice-president, said it was a heartening finding in times of rampant unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. “There is a need to build on the fact that three quarters of 16- to 19-year-olds are using condoms for first sex and encourage their continued use as they grow older,” he said.

The survey was conducted online in August and September 2006 on 26,082 people in 26 countries, including India.