Іex education programs that promote "Abstinence-only-until-marriage" are the most prevalent form of training adolescents and teenagers on sex. However, these programs are not only considered ineffective at limiting sexual initiation or risk behaviors, but they also violate the rights of adolescents, promote stigma or exclusion of a group of a teenager, as well as promote harmful gender stereotype.
Scientific evidence indicates that the programs do not necessarily help young people in delaying their sex initiation. According to Santelli et al., (2017), abstinence is only theoretically practical. However, in actual practice, it is inapplicable as young people are not prepared for the intention to avoid sexual activities. These programs fail in preparing teenagers to avoid unwanted pregnancies or even avoiding contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Usually, they advocate for abstinence as the only sure way to avoid taking precautions. They tend to ignore other information relating to the use of contraceptives and condoms, which would also delay pregnancies.
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AOUM programs also assume health education information that relates to the members of the LGBTQ community. As a result, they cause sexual and mental health consequences. Often, these programs tend to be largely heteronormative and stigmatizing for other sexualities. Cases of stigma may result in health issues like suicide, the feeling of loneliness and isolation, risk of HIV/AIDs Infection, violence among the youths, and substance abuse (Mohney, 2017). Sex education programs are also associated with focusing on traditional gender roles such as the passivity of females and the aggressiveness of males, which have, in return, been associated with the rise of risky sexual health behaviors like declined use of contraceptives and condoms.
In conclusion, it is essential for policymakers and program developers to understand that young people have the right to sex education with accurate information and skills. Besides, these programs should incorporate all people, including the minorities, to avoid cases of stigma and loneliness that might result in mental illness.
References
Mohney, G. (2017). Abstinence Programs Are Ineffectual and Stigmatizing, Study Finds. Healthline . https://www.healthline.com/health-news/abstinence-programs-ineffectual-and-stigmatizing-study-finds#1
Santelli, J., Grilo, S. A., Lindberg, L. D., Speizer, I., Schalet, A., Heitel, J., ... & Heck, C. J. (2017). Abstinence-only-until-marriage policies and programs: An updated position paper of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. The Journal of adolescent health: official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine , 61 (3), 400.
