Besides the normal learning curriculum, we usually have sex education programs. Since many parents can’t educate their children on matters concerning sex, going through this school program is vital to us as adolescents. The majority of parents greatly support sex education in middle school as well as in high school. Apart from parents, several prestigious medical and health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, support this move.
In the United States, sexual programs cover a range of topics. There are three types of programs, abstinence-plus, abstinence-only-until-marriage, and comprehensive sex education. We were taught about sexual health, STDs, puberty and sexual orientation. Though these programs are mainly based on abstinence, all are beneficial since they offered us a wide array of information about sex. Under the abstinence-plus program, the news delivered is primarily on abstinence, condoms, and contraceptives. This curriculum is aimed to prevent, decrease, and stop sexual activities while encouraging safer sexual practices. On the other hand, abstinence-only education points out that engaging in pre-marital sexual acts will negatively impact social, psychological, and physical consequences. Comprehensive sex education enlightens us with value-based information and positive messages on sexual expression. It covers a range of topics such as interpersonal skills, relationships, human development, STDs, and the role religion plays in sex.
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Though sex education was introduced in schools, there is still a gap where what students are taught is not extensive. A proper sexual health education course should achieve its prime objectives upon its completion by the students. It should deliver accurate, research-based, and theory-driven information. Nevertheless, the program should focus on sexual matters and include equally important topics like psychological, social, and emotional aspects and incorporate proper learning strategies.
Advocates of abstinence-only education in schools claim that educating the young generation about abstinence will delay their initial sex encounter. It will also make boys and girls reduce the number of partners they engage with, thus reducing the rate of STIs and teenage pregnancy. However, there is no evidence to support their argument. Abstinence education is documented to have a negative impact on early pregnancies and STIs because teens, regardless of enrollment or not, are not likely to abstain from sex.
