Abstinence Only Sex Education

[frazzledspice]

Are they really more effective than programs that suggest abstinence is the best possibility but which offer contraceptive education as well?

The surgeon general doesn't think so. He favors abstinence, but says the most effective programs promote abstinence but cover all the bases.

The Department of HEW thinks so, having just given $17.1 million to such programs.

My feelings? If my youngest was in a cover-all-the-bases sex ed class, I'd probably spend extra time reinforcing the idea that we encouraged abstinence (at least until she was in college--I know that may seem unrealistic to those of you who are younger than me.)

On the other hand, if she were in an abstinence-only sex ed class, I'd probably spend extra time reinforcing the idea that if she were to become sexually active it would be important to protect herself against STD's and pregnancy.

What do you think?

[erik_kosberg]

Anyone who thinks that abstinence-only sex ed is a good idea is living in the dreamland of wishful thinking.

[hadassahchana[$]]

Anyone who favours abstinence-only education is not only living in dreamland, it is a dreamland where things like AIDS and chlamydia don't exist.

Because of my religion, I obviously have very strong convictions about abstinence before marraige. However, because I love my children, I will make sure that they know absolutely everything. I don't think it is conscionable to neglect warning teens about the liklihood of getting AIDS and how to avoid it. Look at the stats listed on the numbers of teens and young adults contracting it : of all newly-infected people each year, over half are under 25.

In other words, depending on abstinence to prevent the spread of AIDS amongst young people is putting them unneccesarily at risk.

Cindy

[cristina1]

I really think this is a subject that the parents really need to get involved in. Too many parents feel whatever the child learns in school is enough - well, sadly, it isnt.

I like Fraz's way of thinking - whatever the school preaches, teach alternatives.

Of course, that being said, I think that teaching abstinence only is a big mistake. Kids need to learn about all forms of protection - whether it be from HIV/Aids or other forms of disease, or pregnancy. And everything comes with risks except abstinence, and the risks should be thoroughly discussed.

Not only what is taught, but the way it is taught should be a major concern. I clearly remember my health instructor talking about different birth control. After hearing about how he would fall asleep by the time his wife got her diaphram in, or how it took him 20 minutes to figure out how to put a condom on, we pretty much dismissed him and all of his teachings as being freakish. As an adult, I see that he really had some valid points, but a teenager sees things differently. Teens are invincible (or at least believe they are) and can blow off some good information if it isnt taught right.

[poseidon]

I'm one of the biggest advocates of teaching abstinence in the schools as part of sex-ed... but adding it as a serious part of the discussion instead of, "Well you know you can wait until marriage... snicker, snicker, snicker, what a wuss if you are!" But at the same time, I think it's foolish to ignore the other alternatives out there. Give them the facts... give them all the facts, including telling them about the real failure rate of latex condoms.

[KateTPZ]

I used to teach a senior high Sunday school class and we did a special Wednesday evening program focused on sex education. Despite the desires of some of the leaders in the congregation, we taught not only the scriptural perspective but also the real world facts. Abstinence was not presented as a "you won't really live up to it but we'll recommend it anyway" concept, nor was it prsented as "this is the only correct" concept. Many of the kids had already had sex ed in school and many more (thank goodness) had discussed the topic with parents. None of the parents of these kids wanted an "abstinence only" program presented.

As everyone else said, giving kids all the facts is important; anything else is like burying your head in the sand.

[Korova]

I know I'd rather have my or any other kid knowing how to use a condom if and when the situation arose.
I just think that teaching abstinence implies that sex is something to be avoided, and regarded with suspicion. In the right circumstances, sex is a hell of a lot of fun, not at all wrong and is something to be enjoyed and even celebrated. Even for teenagers.

Korova

[rich2003dm]

I have to agree with Cindy. I would hope my kids practice abstinence, but I wouldn't want to risk their lives or futures on that hope.

Knowledge, complete and unabridged, is their best defense.

Rich

[kurt_messick]

My experience has been, as an educator in the secular world and then as a priest, is that kids know more than we give them credit for, and if we give them reason to doubt our sincerity or our ability to be frank, candid and honest with them, they will tune us out. Abstinence-only education is a good theory, but like many good theories, ends up falling short in practical application, on one side or the other.

Whether adults like it or not, children make decisions. I've had more problems with parents who didn't want to face the fact that their children were growing up than with adolescents understanding what I was meaning.

Like my friend Cindy (hadassahchana) I too have certain religious convictions. Like her, I realise that one of the worst sins can be to leave others in ignorance when it can cost them their health or even their lives.

Easy solution: Teach homosexuality.

Hasn't produced an umwanted pregnancy that I know of. Well, unless you get David Crosby involved.

[poseidon]

LMAO file13, they already do but I had to LMAO at your comment anyhow, especially about David Crosby.