This report summarizes the deliberations, findings, and recommendations of the National Commission on Adolescent Sexual Health. The report defines the characteristics of a sexually healthy adolescent, provides a foundation for understanding the three developmental stages of adolescents (early, middle, and late adolescence), and offers recommendations for policymakers, parents, educators, health professionals, and the media. A statement reflecting the consensus of the commission is included, with a list of national organizations that have endorsed the statement. The background of the consensus statement discusses adolescent development, characteristics of a sexually healthy adolescent, adolescent sexual behavior in the 1990s, and the adult role in promoting adolescent sexual health. Recommendations for policymakers include: (1) recognize that sexual development is an essential part of adolescence and develop public policies consistent with research about adolescent development, adolescent sexuality, and program effectiveness; (2) support parents and families as integral members of efforts to improve adolescent sexual health; (3) support comprehensive sexuality education, which includes human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and sexuality and culture; (4) provide a full range of confidential sexual and reproductive health services tailored for adolescents and encourage cultural messages that support sexual health and responsible sexual relationships; (5) support research on adolescent sexuality and provide funding for coordinated and integrated adolescent programs; (6) respond to the diverse sexual health needs of adolescents, including the disenfranchised, disabled, and gay and lesbian adolescents; (7) involve youth in program planning and implementation; and (8) value and respect adolescents. Additional readings and biographical sketches of the commissioners are included. (Contains 43 references.) (ND)