Final answer:
Adolescents' views of normative sexual behavior are primarily influenced by exposure to media, but parents and other caring adults are the greatest influences when it comes to sexual behavior. Cultural norms and sex education differ globally, which impacts adolescents' attitudes towards sexuality. As they mature, peer and romantic relationships become increasingly influential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents' views on what constitutes normative sexual behavior primarily evolve due to their exposure to various influencing factors like their family, the education system, peers, media, and religion. While in the past, religion greatly shaped these views, modern influences such as peers and media play a significant role, particularly in the U.S. Notably, parental influence often outweighs peer influence when it comes to sexual behavior. Studies have shown that attitudes towards sexuality and what is deemed acceptable vary significantly across different cultures. For example, sexual attitudes in the United States are more conservative compared to those in some European countries, which affects the scope of sex education programs.
During adolescence, teens explore and develop their own moral and ethical values, which includes their perspectives on sexual behavior. As they mature sexually and emotionally, their views might become more informed and nuanced due to an increased importance of romantic relationships and a stronger identity formation process. Additionally, education systems and cultural standards like those in Scandinavian countries, which are more tolerant of premarital sex, influence adolescent attitudes on sexuality.