Final answer:
Factors such as lack of parental supervision, peer influence, and early puberty are increasingly implicated in sexual risk during adolescence. While parental influence and strong social support have protective effects, early pubertal development can be a risk factor for engagement in early sexual activity and other risky behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors increasingly implicated in sexual risk during adolescence include a lack of parental supervision, peer influence, and early puberty. Lack of parental supervision is one of the significant environmental factors that has been linked to risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Additionally, the influence of peers on risky sexual behavior cannot be overlooked; adolescents often look to their peers for cues on behavior, including sexual activities. Furthermore, the impacts of early puberty are also notable; early maturing girls and boys are at a greater risk for substance abuse, depression, eating disorders, and engaging in early sexual activity.
Contrary to popular belief, and addressing the feature of myth versus reality, adolescents do consider the influence of their parents or other caring adults when it comes to their sexual behavior, challenging the myth that teens listen only to their friends. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and strong social support do not contribute to increased sexual risk but are generally associated with a number of positive health outcomes during adolescence.