Well, that's one way to do it. | Source: Shutterstock

Okay, when it comes to gossip, there’s one topic that never gets old (even though it’s nobody’s business): Who is having sex?! But here’s something kind of surprising, ladies! Over 70 percent of girls 17 and under have never had sex. And those of you who do have sex? You’re a lot more likely to do it safely and using effective birth control methods (and usually more than one, like using condoms even if you’re on the Pill).

A lot of news outlets reporting on this are surprised by it, especially after a wonky survey came out last week that made teens sound pretty clueless about sex in general. But now that these new findings have hit, it may actually make some sense: Teens may have reported that they don’t know much about sex because not as many of you are participating in it firsthand, so you feel clueless despite actually being well-informed on the topic in general.

But guess what? It doesn’t shock us one bit.

We know you’re smart–heck, we can see that just by reading a lot of your comments. You have a ton going for you, between school, activities, and generally being awesome that you don’t feel as much of a need to cave to pressure, because, well, you have other ish to do! You’re confident and involved enough to know that anyone who pushes you into something isn’t right for you and that you can do better. And you’re responsible enough to use appropriate precautions when you’re ready and willing to go all the way with whatever guy is lucky enough to have you. And whenever that happens for you? Well, that’s your business since it’s your body and your decision! As a matter of fact, you gals are so awesome that despite being a generation surrounded by Juno and Jenelle Evans, you actually brought the teen pregnancy rate to its lowest point since 1946. Nice work, ladies!

Bella waited til marriage, but was still a little clueless. You're smarter than that! | Source: Shutterstock

And when the rumor mill at school starts up about who is having sex or who is having sex with who–just keep in mind that a lot of it might just be vicious talk designed to tear people down. Lots of girls aren’t having sex, and if you’re one of them, you’re not alone one bit.

What we’re basically saying is, you kick ass. You kick ass in general, but especially lately when it comes to be sexually and socially responsible. We already knew that. We’re just pretty stoked that the rest of the world is finally catching on.

Are there rumors at your school about who is having sex? Are you and your pals sexually active? How do you practice safe sex? Do these findings match up with the people you know or do you think they’re way off? Are you waiting to have sex until you’re really ready or for another reason? Tell us in the comments!

When You Do Have Sex, You Must Watch This!