The statistics on teenage sexual activity are staggering, although a Washington-based research group focusing on sexual and reproductive health says nationwide teenagers are waiting longer to have sex.

But here’s the scary part.

The Alabama Department of Health in 2008, the last year for which there are numbers, reported 144 teenage pregnancies in Dallas County alone. Out of those, 23 were white and 121 were African-American. The state department lists teenagers for its study from 10 to 19 years of age.

The Guttmacher Institute, the research group studying sexual and reproductive health nationwide reported this year nearly one-half of all 15-19-year-olds have had sex at least one time.

Of those, most have used some sort of contraceptive. The Institute reports of those sexually active teenagers who do not use contraceptives 90 percent have a chance of becoming pregnant in a year.

In Dallas County the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has planned a conference on preventing teen pregnancy for young men. The conference is scheduled for Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Ellwood Christian Academy, 1 Bell Road, Selma.

Presenters for the conference will be chapter members and members of local community organizations.

This is a safe environment for young men to learn about and discuss their sexuality, manhood and relationship issues.

It’s important as many as can attend this conference. With knowledge comes prevention.