One in four teenage girls in this country has a sexually transmitted disease. A first-of-its-kind federal study of 838 young women aged 14 to 19 found that 26 percent of them had been infected. That refers to the prevalence among all participants in the study, but the actual rate for girls who admitted being sexually active was much higher, 40 percent.

More than bad news, this information should be a wake-up call to parents and political leaders about the importance of giving young people accurate and complete information about safe sexual practices.

It does not preclude teaching the value of refraining from sexual relations at an early age, but abstinence education is not enough. Young people must know that, if they do have sex, condoms can protect them from some diseases, but not all of them. A vaccine against the human papillomavirus -- the most prevalent STD among teens in the study -- currently is recommended for girls, and it is most effective when administered well before they become sexually active.

The value of frank conversations between parents and children cannot be overstated in preparing young people to be responsible sexual partners in adulthood as well. Likewise, schools can help teach this important aspect of health care.

Ignoring a widespread threat to the health of the nation's young women is too dangerous to sweep under a rug of taboo.