Secondly, I would like to clarify that the following is completely my opinion and should be regarded as such. :)
I believe that sex education should be taught in schools. Honestly, its really quite ridiculous that this topic is passed up because of fears of stepping on toes or offending anyone. I understand that it is a huge responsibility that schools would be taking on; this isn't quite on the same level as social studies!
In my personal opinion, I think that sex is sacred and designed exclusively for the marriage relationship. However, that probably wouldn't go over too well in a classroom discussion! Although I understand my beliefs to be truth, I also understand that in our country everyone holds different values and I believe those values should be respected. I would say that teaching abstinence-only sex education would only fall on deaf ears and be a waste of educational resources.
My opinions aside, I think it is more important to teach students how to keep themselves safe and protected if they decide to become sexually active. I believe that the benefits of abstinence should be emphasized and the dangers of contraceptives should be discussed, but if anything I think safe practices need to be taught. I think teenagers often are mislead to believe that between the pill and abortion, that sex isn't a big deal. I think that sex education should be taught in a holistic approach and all of the options should be weighed and discussed.
Well put Tristan! I couldn't agree more. Let us be real here, teens are often rebellious in nature. When they know they "shouldn't" do something, it makes them want to do it more. Having a parent or your church telling you that sex is off limits and treating it as a taboo subject, it makes many teens more curious and more likely to try it. On the other hand, you add videos like A Closer Walk and really show them how a poor decision today can effect them for the rest of their life--now that will make an impact! Maybe some will take to heart the advice to abstain from sex, but at the very least my opinion is they will be more likely to protect themselves if they disregard that advice.
ReplyDeleteAudra Jones
I have to talk from personal experience. I have a 14 yr old that will be a freshman in high school in the Fall. Up to this point, she has had the appropriate health/sex education for her age that was provided in school. However, I think it is a parent's responsibility to follow-through and be sure that the student/adolescent understands what she/he has been taught. I have done this and it has also opened up communication about other topics like, date rape, peer pressure, respect for oneself, etc.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to keep this open communication a part of our relationship so that she will know that she can confide AND trust in me at all times.
My children are only four and 19 months and I am already thinking how I will handle this topic with them. It is vital for the education to begin at home and extend into the school environment so the child is fully informed on the subject. This way, the young person can formulate their own personal beliefs and morals with the combined efforts of parents and educators. When a person is educated on topics such as these they tend to make better decisions.
ReplyDeleteHi Tristan!
ReplyDeleteI first want to say that I am grateful for your honesty. I think your opinions probably reflect a large segment of the population. I wonder though if I understand your perspective... Do you mean to say that you think sex education should be taught exclusively in school, or as a fail safe for those students whose parents either fail to broach the subject or procrastinate until much later than the information is actually warranted? I commend your belief that a "holistic" or comprehensive education should be provided, but how does a student reconcile all of that information with the expectations of their parents and religious community? Should they first be presented with all the options in a setting such as school and then be restricted to less choices(if any) at home? Or would it be better for them to be first provided with a basis for evaluation of these choices through a previously established family support system and awareness of their particular value set? I think I was 11 when "sex education" was presented at my school, and looking back now I had very little comprehension of the "big picture" afterward. Even high school health class was less than comprehensive. This coupled with my parent's inadequate communication on the subject left me to figure out alot on my own. Luckily I fell victim to fear and avoided many life altering decisions until I was an adult!;) Unfortunately, many of my friends did not, and I've often wondered if this could have been different. Being a parent now, I think my daughter's education is first and foremost, my responsibility, but knowing that all parents are not created equal, I hope for a comprehensive sex/health education process to take root in our schools as well...:) Amanda
Interesting comments from all of you! I often wonder how we can give kids any kind of a "comprehensive sex education" course in the state of TX when you cannot say condom in some schools? HIV/AIDS is still not part of the standard curriculum, and the topic of contraception is still banned in some districts.
ReplyDeleteJust recently, there was a study (From ATM) that looked at the long-term impact of abstinance only education in the state of TX (what many districts chose). Based on their findings, pregnancy in the state of TX has actually increased. Is that because of the lack of thorough education in the schools, or a break down of communication between parent-child? Perhaps both.
I would urge all of you as future health professionals, parents, and concerned citizens to get active in the district where you live. You can volunteer to serve on the district's Health Advisory Committee (who decides on curriculum), and you can make your voice heard by contacting your legislator.
I think we all agree, something has to be done!
At the most basic level, girls should at least know why they have a period, and what this means.
I think I mentioned I conducted some research in this area, and most adolescents do not even know what is going on in their own bodies during menstruation. So, that's a good place to start!