Why would a national campaign encouraging abstinence be a bad idea?

Question

Abstinence is the only known and 100% proven method of preventing unplanned pregnancy and transmitting STD's. Besides, sex brings with it a whole lot of psychological, mental, emotional, and physical responsibilities that many people, especially teens, are not ready for. What's wrong with encouraging parents and teachers to teach abstinence to teens and young children? No one is saying take out all the other messages on safe sex but make abstinence equally taught and demonstrated in our society. Some might say that its unrealistic but I say that it's a million times better than the reality that we are now experiencing with the spread of A.I.D.S and other STD's. What are some of your thoughts?

Wow! Thanks for all the responses so quickly! I just wanted to point out that I did say that I'm not talking about abstinence only but along side safe sex as an option. It should be taught equally as much as safe sex but I don't think that it is.

Again thanks for the responses. I just wanted to add that I am well aware that abstinence is being taught in schools...G.W.Bush etc. However, it isn't as supported or "advertised" as safe sex. I also add that absinence as a choice may not be working because not enough is being taught on the psychological, mental, and emotional pitfalls that occur with sexual activity. Many deep mental scars are left behind. Some people never get over their past hurt and it impairs the ability for some to move on and progress. Teens should know about these things as well!

Answer 1

I can't see why it would be a bad idea. I think it is a great idea. It is time to start teaching values again. I think we would be surprised just how many people still practice abstinence. In order for this to work, the parents and teachers have to have the same morals and be practicing these same morals- abstinence outside of marriage.

Answer 2

What would be much more effective would be to teach about sex: complete and accurate sex education not only prevents most of the unwanted consequences, but young people who've been well-educated are more likely to wait until they're really ready.

The "Just say no" approach is the LEAST effective way to reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancy, STDs, and messed up heads.

The idea that national campaigns have any effect on behavior is a myth.

You don't change people's behavior by telling them what to do.

Answer 3

abstinence already is taught in schools across america. abstinence in some areas of the nation is taught more than all other methods of birth control (in these areas it is important to note that there have been increases in teen pregnancies and STD's)

President bush is such an advocate of abstinence education that he has denied federal funds for schools that do not teach it.

your question is ultimateley pointless, as abstinence is given so much classroom time to advocate more would ultimately begin nto shut out more worthwhile and valuable education.

abstinence education is important, but education about other options is also equally if not more important, especially when considering that abstinence and abstinence only education are seldom effective at getting teenagers to abstain from sex until martriage.

In light of that, education about diseases, birth control, the cost and availability of abortions, and education about the consequernces of sex are also important.

Answer 4

It's a ridiculous and repressive idea, especially when promoted by fundamentalist throwbacks who insist that it be the *only* idea and try to keep from actually educating kids about sex. These morons don't even want to tell them how to prevent disease, never mind pregnancy!

It's part of the evil genius of Chistianity to make sins out of natural feelings like sex. Everyone wants it, so everyone is therefore a sinner who needs a priest to "forgive" them! Teenagers especially get overwhelmed by hormones, and the sensible way to deal with it is to make sure they know how to avoid pregnancy - and therefore abortions.

In the old days when the "holy" scriptures were being devised, sex that did not produce offspring was labelled sinful because the aggressive Hebrew tribes always needed more people for soldiers and their support squads. And once you had the offspring you had to care for them - no one argues with that - so marriage became a requirement as well. Hence the structured, straightjacketed approach to sex that (most of) the West has only recently been able to overcome.

Answer 5

A bad idea...no. An ineffective one...most probably. It would be just like the anti-drug, anti-smoking, and anti-drinking campaigns aimed at schollage kids; just somethng else that they are being told NOT to do for reasons that they don't really care about and something that the more effrot is made to convince them NOT to, the more they are going to indulge. If we want them to abstain then we have to find a way to make them WANT to do so. Threats and fear tactics are ineffective. The whole A.I.D.S. and STD thing is something that most kids in that groups are convinced won't effect them for one reason or another. And the risk of pregnancy isn't a factor either. Add to that that things of a sexual nature are referred to as being "adult" and so everytime we tell our kids we want them to be more "adult" that association is right there. Or they thing that because sex is an "adult" thing that by doing it it somehow makes them more "adult". Really this seems to be a problem that is unique in the US. There aren't these problems in the rest of the world, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, (Even canada and Mexico in North America) don't have these issues to the degree that they are here in tht US. Maybe we should examine why THAT is and then figure out what changes we need to make here in order to emulate those results.

Answer 6

I absolutely agree that abstinence should be taught. It is the only way not to get pregnant 100% and also would keep STDs from spreading. Great idea- the reason that people don't think it will work is because it is just not "practical". Teens are going to do what teens are going to do. However, just because they do what is not good, after learning about it , does not make the learning wrong- I think we as humans have it all backwards. thanks for sharing, and I do totally agree!!! And yes, I believe that sex should be saved for marriage, but even if I didn't I would agree that abstinence should be an option taught.

Answer 7

Because it's not working. Teenagers know that abstinence is an option for them because it is taught RIGHT NOW, but they continue to have sex...and get pregnant and contract diseases in the process.

Informing them about birth control methods, and the correct use of condoms, can cut down on disease and pregnancies. Preaching abstinence can't and won't.

Answer 8

Teaching abstinence is definitely a good idea. Unfortunately, sex is all over the media, so we are not going to be able to stop the majority of people from having sex. But it would have an impact on some people, and it should definitely be taught.

Obviously many people didn't read this question thoroughly because your question was not talking about teaching abstinence only and not teaching the other safe sex methods. People need to learn to read!

Answer 9

Unfortunately millions of tax dollars have been wasted on abstinence programs in US itself, also it has been a disaster especially for countries like Africa because of US funded Christian abstinence programmes resulting in millions getting Aids, because they hinder distribution of condoms. I think State funding for these things has now finally been withdrawn as it has been shown ineffective and a waste of resources.

Abstinence programmes don't have a very good success rate because people don't have that kind of willpower against their hormones, when young people who have been on the abstinence program do succumb to their sex urges as frequently happens they are not educated about contraception and tend to be more likely to get pregnant or catch a sexually transmitted disease.

Best to educate people about condoms and other forms of contraception so they can protect themselves properly, ignorance is not a strong position to protect oneself from disease and unwanted pregnancy. Condoms save lives.



PS:
Just read your additional details...yes I basically agree sex education and contraceptive advice is essential but abstinence is simply avoiding sex, what's to teach...don't do it? Making people feel guilty or sinful is a repulsive idea.

I think there is something morally questionable about people being packaged & set aside as virgins for marriage and imagining virginity is more valuable intrinsically as a commodity than someone who is not a virgin, maybe a virgin has more intrinsic value in the marriage market but I find that idea morally objectionable, it is a question of morals but which morals and whose morals.

Answer 10

If it were included in methods of birth control and not the only option presented then abstinence would not be a bad idea. The issue is that our society feels it is enough to preach abstinence and ignore the fact that young people WILL have sex, regardless. It's better that they know what they're doing and how to protect themselves.

Answer 11

Abstinence is taught in comprehensive sex education courses. I have no problem with abstinence-because of my sex ed class I made the choice to abstain when I was young. But, like you said, the facts still need to be taught. I don't like these programs which seem to say 'We aren't going to give you any facts or contraceptive advice, just don't do it.'