TTT: Is it appropriate for YA novels to contain sexual situations?

Young Adult novels are quite a hot commodity over the recent years.Contemporary, Sci-Fi and historical tales for the young readers have maintained a permanent part on best-sellers list along with being bought for film rights. These books are for readers ranging from the ages of 12-16 but attrack the attention of the 20 plus crowd as well. One of the reasons seems to be the sexual tension that can be found in their storyline's. So, this brings out the question... Is it appropriate for YA novels to have sexual situations?

Many readers find it unexceptable for YA novels to contain sex since it is targeted towards a teenage audience but let's face it, we live in a world where sex is everywhere. TV, music,magazines and of course the Internet, so why should it not be found in these novels as well. I am a 33 year old woman who adores the YA genre for many reasons and one of them is the sexual build up that some of these novels contain. I see no harm for this element being in YA books as long as its age appropriate and comes with a mature audience warning.

What are your thoughts? Leave us a comment below if you agree or disagree with sexual situations in YA novels.