Comprehensive Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools
by 13 people |
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Here's What I Think about Sex Education in the Schools
There are only a few people who oppose sex education in schools, but more people oppose comprehensive sex education over abstinence-only programs. Although I understand the value of wanting kids to wait, I think it's misguided to think that having good information about sex and sexuality makes kids engage in such activity sooner. I also believe the lack of information puts kids at great risk.
I think that good, accurate information provided when it's age and developmentally appropriate, helps kids protect themselves against predators, assures that they develop a positive body image, and eventually are able to form better, healthier relationships once they are adults. Misinformation gained from peers and the media aren't a good way of gaining the information needed. Knowledge can make for healthier, safer, and happier kids who avoid unwanted pregnancies, STD's and more as they mature. Abstinence may be part of the program but should not stand alone.
Currently most funding for sex education by the federal government is exclusively for abstinence only programs.
Should Parents Provide Sex Education?
Yes, I think so...but will they?
The Effectiveness of Comprehensive Sex Education
- American Psychological Association
- An APA press release about the effectiveness of comprehensive sex education vs. abstinence only programs based on research studies.
- Science Direct
- A brief about a study which finds that comprehensive sex education doesn't increase the likelihood of sexual activity but does decrease pregnancy.
- Advocates for Youth
- Advocates for Youth supports comprehensive sex education.
- UW resarch
- This Seattle Times article reports the findings of a UW research project.
- Repro Health Hub
- A blog which cites numerous studies supporting the argument for comprehensive sex education.
The Facts about Comprehesive Sex Education
Want Your Kids to Learn about Sex from TV and Magazines?
or Perhaps from Schools Where They Might Get the Facts Straight?
Questions About Comprehensive Sex Education
I ask myself:Would kids develop a better body image if they had a forum where they could discuss their changing body with an informed adult in a non-judgemental manner?
Would small children benefit from knowing what is appropriate touching versus inappropriate touching?
Is it possible kids would develop better intimate relationships as adults if they grew up feeling more confident about their bodies and understood the appropriate role of sex in real relationships?
Would teenagers be less likely to become pregnant or to develop STDs? Would they be more likely to report problems if they were informed?
Would more kids view sex as part of a committed relationship versus as being purely recreational if parents and teachers discussed such things a bit more openly versus leaving such important information to be conveyed by popular music, television, movies, and magazines?
If kids decide to have sex, which ultimately they will even if it's not until they're adults, why would we want their role model to be these media images versus something based on honest discussion?
Would kids get what they need from a comprehensive sex education program?
Why Comprehensive Sex Education is Necessary
- The Washington Post
- A rise in teenage pregnancy in 2007 for the first time in 17 years. Some experts blame the focus on abstinence only programs with teens.
- Discovery Health
- This page discusses the long and short term issues associated with teen pregnancy.
- CNN
- 1 in 4 teenage girls has an STD.
- PlanetPapers
- A discussion about how sex education can improve body image and reduce the risk of pregnancy.
- NYTimes
- Article which discusses Obama's support for early sex education to teach young children about appropriate and inappropriate touching.
YOUR TURN!
Comprehensive Sex Education Should Be Taught in Schools
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
Kylyssa says:
Absolutely! I believe that the sex education I received (mostly from my parents but from school, too) was responsible for my decision to wait until adulthood to have sex.
Knowing about sex and understanding sex and its perils and joys allows people to make better decisions. Sexually maturing children do have the mental capacity to make good decisions but only if they have good information. Ignorance is never the answer.
Posted February 25, 2009
CondomElite9 says:
Thank you, finally somebody is with me on the same issue I can listen to and discuss thins with!
Posted October 24, 2008
spirituality says:
Absolutely. Sex is a basic human drive that our culture stresses beyond the norm. But US schools have to ask parent's permission to actually teach kids about it - which is weird. Biology teachers know more about the subject than most parents do & can teach the basics in an objective kind of way. Which takes away some of the mystery and might actually make kids see the risks clearly as well as postpone the activity (and go safe if they don't).
Posted October 14, 2008
chefkeem says:
Absolutely! Parents are often too embarrassed or clumsy about it. The kids hear about everything in school, anyway. They might as well get clear and correct information from their teachers.
Posted October 14, 2008
MerryM says:
Sex education is so important! I had a great health teacher in highschool. She created a safe environment to ask questions, and was always honest in her answers. I learned alot. Not only facts, but how to discuss sex maturely and without embarrassment. I only wish more kids had that opportunity.
Posted October 13, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
webkinzgirl08 says:
that is so stupid i might be 8 years old but i have the power to save this planet one step at a time your so dumb idiot!!!!
Posted March 24, 2009
HELP ME PROVE MY POINT
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Sex and spirituality - abstention?
Psychology has made it clear in the last century t more...1 point
http://www.newsweek.com/id/164525?GT1=43002
One report says there's no proof abstinence only e more...0 points
DISPROVE MY POINT (fine, be that way)
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
Teaching Kids about Sex
Introduction: Lemoncat1.
Learn about Sex from TV and Magazines? Hans Voorn
Schools: LizMarie.
Sex Education Questions: Mermay19.
You can also find this lens at LensMasterWorld.
