Abstinence-only education (AOE) is not sufficient for today's teens. The majority of teens engage in sexual activity of some sort. For those students that do, schools must equip them with the knowledge and resources to practice safe sex. Furthermore, at some point in their life, likely soon after leaving high school, almost all people are going to participate in some type of sexual activity. If students are given a background on contraceptives, condoms, STD's and risks of sexual activity during middle school or high school, they will have valuable information for whenever they choose to engage in sexual activity, even if that is after high school or when they get married.
I also think abstinence is very much a personal decision that is largely decided upon before sex education of any sort. Religion and parenting play a big role in abstinence, and I don't feel like school sex education classes alter many students' decisions to remain abstinent or not. I think schools should teach comprehensive sexual education which includes abstinence but is not limited to abstinence. Schools should provide a learning environment, and not focus on trying to influence students' decisions. If students believe the facts support abstinence, then hopefully they will abstain from sex. However, for those who will choose to engage in sexual activity, they should be able to learn about safe practices. As mentioned before, I believe parents should be the ones to express their opinion and talk to teens about sex. However, not all students have family environments that provide effective conversation or messages about sex.
1) What type of sex education did you receive as a teen? What is your opinion about that education?
2) Do you think the people delivering the message could alter the effectiveness of an abstinence-only message? What if a relatable, young adult taught sex education classes, rather than a much older adult?
1) As a teen I went to a Catholic all girls school. We were not taught about alternative forms of portection. All we were taught was abstinence. But, since my mom is a nurse and has to deal with teen pergnancy on a regular basis she was able to educate my sister and I about the repercussions of our actions. I think that just because my school was Catholic we turned the other cheak and basically ignored the fact that this was happening in the world. I think this is dangerous and not the smartest way of approaching this type of situation.
ReplyDeleteI think if you can somehow find a "role model" and someone that kids will look up to and listen to as a spokesperson might help with the learning process. Otherwise first hand testamonials by individuals whos lives were alterd due to an unplanned pregnancy or contacting of an STD might be effective also.
ReplyDeleteI was taught both sides, that abstinence is the most effective but if you choose to have sex you need to take precautions. I think that young teens and kids should be taught about sex as a whole rather than just abstinence. School can be just as influential as a parent. Staying on the same page is important otherwise the message will not be as powerful.
ReplyDeleteI was taught both sides- but more towards no sex rules- and I think it would have been more beatifically to go towards if you are going to have sex attitude.
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