Sex education for students is necessary in schools. Today’s students face a barrage of information and situations about sex and sexuality. Students need guidance to develop a healthy attitude toward sex and their sexuality. Many students today are sexually active.
Presently, 19 states require schools to educate students on their questions about sex. However, the quality of education on the subject varies towards the developmental level of the student. Many states prohibit the mentioning of subjects that concern sexual questions. Most states that oppose education that deals with sex have inadequate information about the aim of the many programs. They argue that sex education infringes on their parental rights. They also feel the programs encourage immoral sexual activity.
On the flip side, 93 percent of people support sex education for students in middle and high school. The American Medical Association, the American Society of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine supports sex education in schools.
Sex Education and Laws
Most states have a general guideline on how and the age group for sex education. Thus, individual schools decide on the content of the subject. Thus, policies are inconsistent throughout districts and schools.
Sex education covers a wide range of topics including relationships, decision making, communication, gender identity, body image, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections. However, LGBT education is not part of the current curriculum.
Previous research does not show LGBT education to be effective. Still, bullying continues. The CDC shows LGBTQ students are more likely to be bullied. It puts all youth at a risk for depression, suicide, drugs/alcohol, violence, and unsafe sexual practices. It affects a student’s mental health and academics in the classroom.
Education Begins Early
Sex education begins as students or young children ask questions about their body. Answers to questions need to be only at face value with age-appropriate answers. Early education about sex begins with proper names of the sex organs, usually at bath times.
Good Decisions
Students need to learn to make good decisions about sexual activity and health. Most of a student’s sexual information comes from their peers, the media, and the internet. Many have questions and concerns that need addressed.
The pasts three decades 0f research shows a strong support for comprehensive sex education that covers a wide range of topics and grade levels. The National Sex Education Standards needs an upgrade.
Presently three main curricula exist: Abstinence Only, Abstinence-Plus, Abstinence Only Until Marriage Programs or Sexual Risk Avoidance Programs.
