Teaching about sex in school is a controversial issue. However, a good school program is more than about physical sex. It covers many issues related to growth and development. Lessons include healthy relationships, sexual violence, body image, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Sex education in schools helps to prevent abuse from a partner, sibling, or adult. It helps students develop healthy relationships. However, the program in schools depends on each state’s view on the matter. There are no federal guidelines for such school programs.
Teaching about Sex Today
Today, 39 states plus Washington, D.C. mandates sex education. Plus, most programs stress abstinence. Health experts recommend sex education to include information about gender and sexual education. Some states place information about homosexuality in the negative category. They emphasize only heterosexuality. Recently, several states are looking to ban any discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, without discussions of various questions that pertain to sex, students will continue to be bullied and harassed in schools.
States are changing laws because of abortion access. Thus, education is more important than ever. Many feel education on sex should begin in kindergarten. It’s not about the act but about the basic information about anatomy, consent, and personal boundaries. Research shows that information about sex leads to better health outcomes for students.
Today’s technology allows students to have access to information about sexual health. Students will find information from peers or technology if there is no adult intervention. Rather than have students form misconceptions and find out information on their own, it’s best to learn from an educated adult. Education on sex in public schools is to provide accessible, accurate, inclusive, and positive information to children and adolescents.
If sex education is compulsory, programs vary from state to state. Thus, it can cover anything from reproduction, puberty, contraception, and consent to ‘just say no’.
The Myth and Reality
Sex education in school does not mean students will explore or have more sex. The goal of sex education in school is to teach young people how to have healthy sexual relationships and to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. The National Sex Education Standards provide guidance on the essential minimum core content and skills for sex education in schools. It gives age-appropriate information for students in grades K-12.
Teaching about sex in schools gives students the knowledge to make healthy choices and to understand their bodies.
