Should there be sex education in schools?

By:Amber Adams

Thesis

Every student should be educated about sex so they can decide for themselves.

What is it ?

Sex education is “the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. It’s also about developing young people’s skills so that they make informed choices about their behavior and they feel confident and competent.” (Forest 2008)

Purpose

Sex education is implemented to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies, STD’s, enhance relationships, and developing students ability to make educated decisions (Forest 2008, Witmer).

When should it be introduced?

Kindergarten- learn about personal space

First grade- realizing boys from girls Fifth grade- introduce the cycles of

genders Ninth grade- should be in a real sex ed

class(ICAH 2007)

When?

Students should be in a true sexual education class during their freshman year before they are in more mature relationships.

Important views

They agree with my proposition, start early to help children recognize threats.

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Who should teach it?

Qualified professional

Unbiased Include parent

conversations

Shocking facts

30% of Sex Ed teachers are not trained

Teachers may incorporate their beliefs

(Jayson, 2008, Anderson 2002)

Myths

Information arouses curiosity and experimentation.

Friends are good educators Internet gives valuable information

Facts

The only way to have true facts is to do essential research, have an educated teacher, and to be open to talk to your parents.

How effective is it?

25% of U.S. girls have one of the four common STD’s

A lot of girls get birth control from clinics without parental permission

2004 - 10% of all births were to women under 20

(MarchofDimes, 2007 Kaiser Family 2005 medicalnews, 2007)

Media Plays a Roll

Teens exposed to high levels of sex are twice as likely to become pregnant in the following 3 years

Study of Teens

2,003 12-17year olds were interviewed in 2001

When interviewed again in 2004 a) 744 had sex

b) 718 of them had a pregnancy scare

c) 91 experienced a pregnancy or got someone pregnant

(Coffey, 2008)

Can We Count Only on Media?

Media is there to sell, not out to inform

Bias

7% of americans do not want sex ed at all.

Do we really want the media to do the informing??

What are the obstacles?

To cover other aspects like emotional health and sexual identity

Immaturity Time periodReligion

How to overcome the obstacles?

Give enough of time for every student to learn the curriculum

Have serious teachers Have split gender groups discussions Create a system where students can

ask anonymous questions

When it goes against religion?

Teach risks on not being abstinent Creates curiosity in the unknown by having

taboos and misconceptions

Is it ok not to teach?

Ignorance is NOT bliss…

it’s ignorance!

Abstinence-only programs

15% of Americans want Abstinence-only

Miss out on valid informationMisconception on sex ed in general

(Kaiser, 2008 )

Pros of Sex Ed

Limit myths Prevents sexual problems later in lifeLearn correct termsHelp prevent early pregnancies and

STDs’

(Anderson, 2002)

Cons of sex ed

There will always be controversy surrounding Sex Education

but……

The pros will always override the cons

Conclusion

Therefore every student should be taught sex ed in ninth grade so when the time comes to make the right decision you can.

References

Anderson, Deanna. Pros and cons of sex education in school. 2002.1 Dec.2008http://www.escortment.com/family/sexeducationch_saqs.htm

“The caliber of Sex-ed instruction in public schools” The public school parent’s network. 2004. 1 Dec.2008http://www.psparents.net/sex_education.htm.

Coffey,Laura T. Sex on TV linked to teen pregnancies 3Nov.2008.15Dec.2008http://www.msnc.msn.com/id/2/5062234/

Forest,Simon.Sex education that works.Nov.-Dec.2008.20Nov.2008http://www.advert.org/sexedu.htm.

Jayson,Sharon.”Sex Ed:Any link between whatteens learn,how they behave?”USA Today.Sept.-Oct