I've heard that abstinence-only education programs really don't do much to prevent teens from having sex. And not only that, but a study once showed that teens who took virginity pledges often broke them. Also, I remember that when we studying sex in my high school health class, we not only learned about various methods of contraception and STD prevention, but we also watched a film strip with pictures of people in the advanced stages of STDs like syphilis and herpes. And I have to say, those images scared the hell out of me and have stayed with me to this day, over 10 years later. If teens are going to have sex, anyway, doesn't it make sense to educate them about EVERY method of contraception and STD prevention and to also give them ALL the details about the risks associated with unprotected sex?
2006-11-06 03:25:07 · 10 answers · asked by tangerine 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
no. it is a laughable idea--don't teach them how to be careful, just tell them not to do it, and pretend that they will listen. we all know teenagers have sex. not all of them, but enough of them to warrant an actual sex education program. teaching abstinence is no more sex ed than saying "just don't drive" constitutes driver's ed. it's ridiculous and dangerous. it is also completely out of touch, not to mention out of line. schools are supposed to be teaching facts, not pushing morals. it is up to the family to discuss when and if a teenager should have sex, not the school. they should either teach safe practices and tell about the consequences of unsafe practices, or they should just drop the sex ed altogether. pushing abstinence is puritanical and, to me at least, toes the line on teaching religious ideals in public schools.
2006-11-06 03:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not convinced that using a condom is "safe sex", but I know that abstinence is safe.
A girl can get pregnant only 3 to 4 days of the months. STDs can be transmitted anytime and most virus and bacterial entities are smaller than sperm. Condoms do not protect 100% against even pregnancy, and they can break or have weak areas. A lot of men stupidly carry their condoms in their wallet or pocket and the body heat deteriorates the latex, so they are not safe. A young person can get an STD 364 days a year... not just a few days a month.
All of these things were discussed, with references, with my daughters. The oldest waited until her wedding night, as did her husband. The youngest is waiting to even date until she finishes her education. (She's in college.) Then she feels she will be ready for a relationship and marriage.
Teens do not HAVE TO have sex. The message spewed all over our society is that sex on every date is normal. It isn't. It's cheap and decadent.
I tell young people that they have CHOICES, give them all of the information, and instill in them a sense of worth, in that they are created in the image of God and are not just animals, acting like a dog going after a b*tch in heat.
When we instill into our children a sense of who they are, they will have the strength to make good choices in their lives. Abstinence is the only "safe sex". Anything else is like playing Russian Roulette.
Sue
2006-11-06 05:04:18 · answer #2 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am becoming a teacher, and I decided that taking a Human Sexuality course would be beneficial. I believe that teaching abstinance-only sex ed will only make the students more curious about sex. I feel that all aspects must be covered, but in a non-biased way. Answer any and all questions, but do not give personal input unless it is related.
2006-11-06 03:34:18 · answer #3 · answered by missyd2003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think our plan for our kids should be abstinence only it does not work the hormones will get to them and I want my kids to be safe and protected. The school may choose to teach them abstinence only but I will tell them the importance of condoms.
2006-11-06 03:34:58 · answer #4 · answered by jo_jo_baby2004 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How has the "Just say no to drugs" campaign worked out? It's the same principle. Most people don't really want to say no to drugs or sex, so it's far more effective to offer a menu of possibilities, like abstinence, barrier contraception, etc.
2006-11-06 03:36:08 · answer #5 · answered by lee m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sex education should INCLUDE abstinence but also give all details on contraception and STDS. Arm the youths with knowledge and hopefully they'll make the right choices for themselves.
2006-11-06 03:39:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Abstinence-only education is an example of letting ideology triumph over common sense, science, and the true well-being of our children.
2006-11-06 03:36:11 · answer #7 · answered by ljlwpb 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Abstinence should be taught but as a choice. Kids are a ball of rageing hormones waiting to find an outlet. Birth control information and devices should be made easily available to all who want them.
2006-11-06 03:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by superspiker69 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
absolutely! considering that abstinence only education is completely ineffective and impractical. kids are going to have sex no matter what- it is best to educate them so that we don't have more teen pregnancies and STIs.
2006-11-06 03:28:28 · answer #9 · answered by rachel o 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT'S A GREAT THING. IF IT ONLY WORKS FOR A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE IT WAS WORTH IT. THIS TYPE OF EDUCATION NEEDS TO START AT HOME. I ALSO THINK THAT CHURCHES AND YOUTH GROUPS NEED TO GET INVOLVED BECAUSE OF THE RELIGOUS ASPECTS OF ABSTINENCE. I THINK IT IS A WONDERFUL THING.
2006-11-06 03:33:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋