"Abstinence-only programs are for immature students"
No, these programs should not to be decided by the student's maturity level, but rather what the parents feel will benefit the student.
"Comprehensive sex education promotes teen sex"
This is also not true. Many studies have shown that these programs delay the initiation of sex and students are more likely to use a contraception when they do become sexually active. Jennifer Tucker, a sex education teacher in New Hanover County schools has said, "Knowledge is power. Teaching students is not giving them license to it".
"Comprehensive sex education discourages abstinence"
Actually, comprehensive sex education classes aim for abstinence, but provide information to protect students that are sexually active, or give knowledge for the future.
"When parents choose comprehensive sex education, they condone sexual activity."
No, deciding to enroll your child in a comprehensive sex education does not condone this behavior. Talking to your children beforehand about expectations in sexual activity is necessary.
"Teachers use bananas to demonstrate put on a condom."
Teachers, well at least in New Hanover County use their hands.
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Clarify more in your presentation. Amazing blog by the way. I really like how you went into details on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I realize how difficult and/or uncomfortable it can be to discuss sex with your children. However, I honestly feel that if your children can talk to you openly about sex, they will feel free to discuss "anything" with you...
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to address the misconceptions people have about comprehensive sex ed. To me, it's obvious that the "head in the sand" approach of abstinence only education doesn't work...but there are obviously some (who are making their decisions based on misinformation) who agree with it. Making sure the correct information is available is a way to reach the kids whose parents might otherwise be opposed to the comprehensive program.
ReplyDeleteResponse to JTL:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. In my research, I found that 35% of the information presented in Abstinence-only education, presented false or misleading information. Such things as contraception effectiveness, using opinion as fact as well as male/female stereotypes.
Very interesting subject!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the Abstinence Only approach is based on fear. "If you have sex, this is what will happen to you..." To me, that is not a good foundation of education, especially when it comes to sex education. We were all born with free will, and are able to make our own decisions - so we should at least be making informed decisions. Educating someone and arming them with information is the only way to effectively prepare them for the world and the situations with which they will be faced. I would be curious to know what the age range is for sexually active teens who were taught abstinence only versus comprehensive sex ed. Also, I am interested to know the pregnancy and STD rate of teens who were guided through an abstinence only program versus a comprehensive program. Misinformation is not going to do anyone any good, nor will turning a blind eye to something that practically inevitable. We can train the mind, but training horomones is another story!
Well in New Hanover county, students are taught about their bodies and changes in fifth grade. In middle school, depending what the parents choose, students are taught about sex and contraception use. And in High school, their are no sex education classes, in New Hanover County.
ReplyDeleteAs for the age range comparison, I was not able to find that, but I did find that "[i]n 2002, only 62% of sexually experienced female teens had received instruction about contraception before they first had sex".
Although I could not find statistics for comparison of STD and pregnancy rates between students, i was able to find:
"There is no evidence to date that Abstinence-only education delays teen sexual activity. Moreover, recent research shows that abstinence-only strategies may deter contraceptive use among sexually active teens, increasing their risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs".
"Comprehensive sex education programs that provide information about both abstinence and contraception can help delay the onset of sexual activity among teens, reduce their number of sexual partners and increase contraceptive use when they become sexually active".
I like how you gave misconceptions, this is a very good and hot topic!
ReplyDelete