Teenagers also fear their first sexual experience will not be "special" if it happens when they are still young, according to a new report.
The Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, in Sheffield, spoke to groups of teenagers, parents, teachers and health professionals to find out what different groups think about the benefits of delaying first sex.
Their report called 'Are You Really Ready?' found that parents and carers felt it was important to be open and honest when talking to their sons and daughters about relationships and sex but wanted more support on how to talk to their children.
Young people said they wanted advice and information on sex and relationships.
The information from the report will be used to help develop sexual health services for young people.
Steve Slack, Director for the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, said: "The consultation proved that telling young people to abstain from sex or following the abstinence route and not talking to young people at all about relationships and sex, is not a tactic that works.
"Young people have said themselves that by equipping them with skills and knowledge about relationships and sex we are giving them the responsibility to make positive life choices for themselves."
Confidential health services in the city's college campuses at Castle College, Hillsborough College, Peaks Centre and Norton College offer advice and guidance on relationships and sex to young people.