Self-regulation is foundational for positive health and functioning across the lifespan, including physical health, mental and emotional health, social relationships, academic achievement, and socio-economic success. It also can be learned over time, making it a powerful focus for intervention. By promoting self-regulation as a key component of health education, educators can help youth achieve positive outcomes in all areas of their lives. This tip sheet explores what self-regulation is, what factors influence its development in children, how it is related to sexual health, and how adolescent pregnancy prevention programs can help youth develop their cognitive, emotional and behavioral self-regulation skills.