Comprehensive, the Right Approach to Sex Education

Comprehensive, the Right Approach to Sex Education Since the first sex education video, Human Growth was shown in public schools in the 1940s, sex education in school has remained a controversial subject (Bellafante 9.1). In the present however, it is no longer disputed whether or not sex-ed should be taught, but what should be taught in a sex education program. Conservatives and Liberals both agree that sex education in public schools is important but, their views on what should be taught differ dramatically. Despite the various monikers to describe different sex education programs and curricula, there are really only two types: abstinence-until-marriage and comprehensive (Sex Education Programs: Definitions Point-by-Point†¦show more content†¦It must also be made clear that comprehensive sex-ed programs also preach abstinence as the safest method of sexual health, these programs dont however withhold or slant other information that isnt strictly abstinence-only (Sex Education Programs). Senator Waxman a clear proponent of comprehensive sex-ed has even said, I have no objection talking about abstinence as a surefire way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. I dont think we ought to lie to our children about science. Something is seriously wrong when federal tax dollars are being used to mislead kids about basic health facts. (Donnolly A01). Both opposing types of programs agree on this fact, that abstinence is the safest route. The abstinence-only program however, goes about teaching teenagers this in the wrong way. These programs preach abstinence yet leave teenagers uninformed about other sexual health topics, this is best illustrated through a recent survey involving 12,00 young people. It found that those taking chastity pledges had sex on average 18 months later than the national average. However 88 percent of these teens went on to have sex before marriage. Worse yet, those who took the pledge were less likely to use contraception, only 40% of the males used condoms (Kristof A.21). In modern America, where, statistically speaking (Feijoo), teens are likely to have sex and whereShow MoreRelatedSexual Education : A Comprehensive Sex Education969 Words   |  4 Pagescome with sexual education in the classroom is the first step in being a comprehensive sex education advocate. To this day, we see classrooms in middle and high schools preaching about abstinence, shaming children and not being able to give proper, thorough, and informative resources and guidelines on how to approach healthy, body-positive, accessible information about sexual activity. The ideal image abstinence curriculum advocates are hoping for is all adolescents will not have sex prior to marriageRead MoreLet s Talk About Sex1410 Words   |  6 PagesLet’s Talk About Sex Living in a world where sexual imagery is produced rapidly throughout the media makes controlling what children are exposed to difficult. Rather than trying to control what a child is exposed to, it is important to know what children learn, especially when it comes to sexual health and sexuality. Many teenagers who are sexually active are not provided with educational resources informing them of the risks and consequences that come with having sex and unprotected sex because theirRead MoreHow Far Should Schools Teach Sex Education978 Words   |  4 PagesHow Far Should Schools Teach Sex Education The condoms display in the Hidden Heroes: the Genius of Everyday Things exhibit is a showcase that would cause an individual to wonder about adolescents’ overall knowledge of human sexuality. In today’s society, children are susceptible to learning about such a delicate topic not only from their families and peers, but through the media as well. These sources often provide misrepresentations of the information due to ignorance and biased views. ThereforeRead More Education Is Key: A Comprehensive Approach to Sex Education Essay1579 Words   |  7 PagesSex education is about informing students about sex so that they can make educated decisions when the time comes to have sex. Sex education helps students protect themselves from unintended pregnancies, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. Students should leave a sex education course with the right tools so they make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. The goal of sex education is to provide a student with as much information as possible so that they can use the skills they learned inRead MoreComprehensive Sexual Education Of The United States1219 Words   |  5 PagesSmith refers to the inadequate sexual education of teenagers in the United States. Sexual education is the instruction on issues about bodily development, sex, sexuality, and relationships. Comprehensive sex education teaches about abstinence, condoms, and contraceptives to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. As well as, the skills needed to help young people explore their own values and options. Comprehensive sexual education should be taught in the United StatesRead MoreComprehensive Sexual Education Should Be Taught1240 Words   |  5 PagesWELL.† SMITH REFERS TO THE INADEQUATE SEXUAL EDUCATION OF TEENAGERS IN AMERICA. Sexual education is the instruction on issues about bodily development, sex, sexuality, and relationships. Comprehensive sex education teaches about abstinence, co ndoms, and contraceptives to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. As well as, the skills needed to help young people explore their own values and options. Comprehensive sexual education should be taught in public schools in theRead MoreEssay on Abstinence vs. Comprehensive Sex Education1339 Words   |  6 Pagesfunding was put to use in â€Å". . . sex education programs that promote abstinence-only-until-marriage to the exclusion of all other approaches . . .† according to the article â€Å"Sex education† (2010) published by â€Å"Opposing Viewpoints in Context;† a website that specializes in covering social issues. Since then a muddy controversy has arisen over whether that is the best approach. On one hand is the traditional approach of abstinence (not having sex before marriage), and on the other is the ideaRead MoreImplementation of Comprehensive Sex Education in High School Essay1281 Words   |  6 Pagesbill is established and designed to implement comprehensive sex education classes as a mandatory curriculum in high school of every state in the United States in order for every high school student to graduate. Section Two: Congress hereby finds and declares that the sex education curriculum has been wrongly denied of pursuing a thorough course in order for high schoolers to achieve a better understanding of anything sex related. Sex education, or sex ed, is an instructional course built to instructRead MoreComprehensive Sexual Education Essay1154 Words   |  5 Pagesquintessential â€Å"sex talk† that most parents give to their children when they think the time is right. However, the typical sex talk in schools is quite different than what most parents prefer. Seventy five percent of parents want their children to be taught using the comprehensive sexual education curriculum. Only 15% of parents support abstinence only education (Kelly). Goldman writes in his article, Sex Education, comprehensive education is much more than what many people think. A comprehensive programmeRead MoreSociety Divided By Sexual Education Program Essay1698 Words   |  7 Pagesbecame pregnant, leading to high rates of school dropouts and increasing poverty in certain areas of the country. In her article â€Å"Society Divided by Sexual Education Program,† journalist Rosalia Simmons exposes the different perspectives the Panamanian society has regarding the law 61, which consists of the implementation of a sexual education subject in the curriculum of all the schools in Panama, whose main target is students from age 5 to 18 (Simmons). Thousands of people protested all throughout