This paper examines how socio-economic changes in Tanzania have impacted on
parent-child relationships, in particular parental behavioural control over their children
and parental influence on young people’s sexual behaviour. Data came from participant
observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with young people
(14– 24 years) and their parents. Socio-economic changes (education, changes in
values, material needs provision) affected parent-young person relationships. Young
people contributed to the economic needs of their families and parents receiving or
expecting more support from their children exercised less behavioural control (in
sexual and non-sexual matters of their children). Parents and young people spent less
time together than in earlier generations. Parents reported that they thought their
children were more knowledgeable about sexual and reproductive health than they
were. As young people received more education and contributed more to their families’
economic well being. they emerged as decision-makers in their own right and parental
influence waned. Policy interventions addressing sexual and reproductive health
among young people should consider family influence on young people as well as the
influence of young people on their families and parental authority. Families, and
particularly parents, should be supported to respond to the emerging challenges and
changes in their families and the wider society.