Do you honestly believe that this works?....?

Question

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26623-2004Dec1.html

I just cannot understand why anyone would think Abstinence-Only education actually works? It is unfathomable to me. If you tell a teenager not to do something, they're going to do it anyway. So... if teens are indefinitely going to have sex... why not tell them how to protect themselves rather than "Don't have sex. If you have sex, you will get pregnant and DIE!"

And don't tell me teens don't have sex. A select few abstain and hey, more power to them. But as a seventeen year old, 95% of my friends have had or are having sex with either significant others or some with ones that aren't so significant. It's just teenage life.

SO... my question is... to those who believe abstinence only education works... what is your reasoning?

I'm sorry if this was a ranting mess. When I went through my sex ed course freshman year, comprehensive, nonetheless... I felt I wasn't informed enough and I knew the program just wasn't doing it. So now, I'm a trained advocate for sex education and I go around to local high schools to teach them more in-depth sex ed to fill in some of the gaps the schools may leave. I think it's easier for teens to relate to someone their own age... and you'd be surprised how confused teens can be even after a comprehensive program. I've been asked so many questions I thought would just be simple knowledge.

Answer 1

Statistics show that abstinance-only education doesn't work. In fact, about six months ago, there was a study showing that teens who'd signed a "virginity pledge" were more likely to have had oral or anal sex (because that way they remained technically "virgin"). So people who refuse to allow any references to contraception into sex-ed classes are, indeed, living in a fantasy land.

I wouldn't say all teenagers will have sex, because I know a lot of people who were virgins until they were engaged, or even married. But ALL of them knew about contraception -- their choice was an informed decision, not the result of ignorance or fear.

Answer 2

Just telling people not to have sex is ineffective. If the parents are involved in keeping kids from having sex then it makes it a lot easier for them to abstain. As a parent of girls, I will set up the same restrictions that I faced when I was dating, which includes I'll meet every boy that shows up at the door and I'll expect to be able to find them on the date if need be. I'll also keep my girls active. It may be just delaying the inevitable but I amd willing to do that so my kids get the best possible chance at an education possible

Answer 3

I don't believe that abstinence only sex education works. But then, most of the people who support it don't believe it works either.

Some people just have this belief that Ends are something that only exist to justify their favorite means. Whether those means actually get the job done is another matter. In fact, they like applying authoritarian solutions to problems which they know can't be solved that way--because actually solving the problem means they have to find a new one.

I also find it offensive that Righties want to control what's taught in the Public Schools they hate so much.

Answer 4

No, I agree with you 100% and I don't feel that just saying be Abstinence to to a teenager is not going to make a difference. If you tell a teen don't do something that is exactly what they are going to do just the complete opposite of what you tell them not to do. I've been there done that and when you are that age , your are going to have sex , no matter who are , what you are, they are going to have sex if they want to and usually they want to try out what all their friends have told about sex. You can talk all day long and they'll agree with you but when they are out sight out it like that song, "Out of Sight Out of Mind."
You can tell me all day long not my girls they know better, they know better knowing and doing is two different things. Bush started that all the talk about you have to be Abstinence until your married. Bush has 2 daughters and neither one of them have married and both of them have had numerous sex partners. Bush's motto, "Do what I say not what I do". When a girl gets to puberty and a boy that is the time to teach good sex protection and sex education , even before they go through puberty. Take the girls and get Birth Control and the boys condoms and start advising it's best to wait but their not listening , your old folks to them, so just ask them not to do sex but supply them with protection of both sexes.

Answer 5

It's only the moral holier than thous or the people who have their head buried in the sand(parents), who think, not my kid. I'm not a father but I help raise a twelve and sixteen year old, both girls. I am absolutely blunt with both of them. I tell the sixteen year old to be careful because of STD's and how having a kid at the age where they can't even support themselves would ruin their young lives. I don't tell them sex is evil or immoral, that's for them to judge, I just tell them to be careful.

Answer 6

hahhaa... I always find it funny when Republicans call Democrats "silly idealist" for believing in some social programs... and then go in the next question and push for "abstinence only" education... hahaha...

I've said it before and I'll say it again... there will be world-wide harmony with everyone living in a perfect socialist utopia thousands of years before "teens stop having sex just because you tell them not too"...

if you compare teen abstinence programs to social programs... they look downright totally realistic in comparison...hahaha

Answer 7

Guess who be in charge of my son's education about sex? My wife and I! *surprise*

When he gets to be a little older, he will definitely learn what is what, what happens when, what could happen, and what not to do.

Answer 8

I can't believe the assertion of the article. Abstinence only worked well enough until the hippie movement and we have many of them now in the teachers union because it was the easiest work they could find and the only people that would listen to them.

Answer 9

No, it doesn't but most girls that are old enough to get pregnant know what causes it. Guys do too. Protect yourself. You know the consequences.

Answer 10

"SO... my question is... to those who believe abstinence only education works... what is your reasoning?"

I thank God that "I" have two good hands!