Sex Education in America is a very controversial topic. The Sexuality Education Act (SESEA) was passed by state legislatures inoperative in 1993. It aims to provide children and young people’s information regarding sex from an early age and educate them on their health, romantic relationships, and teenage pregnancy. However, some argue against sex education, saying that it will only instill guilt and anxiety among children, and that there is no evidence that sex education improves sexual health and behavior.
Sexuality education is actually the teaching of problems relating to human reproduction, including the responsibilities, physical and emotional aspects, basic human sexuality, intimate relationships, sexual intercourse, puberty, fertility, pregnancy, and other reproductive health. This information provides children with knowledge about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. Without this knowledge, they cannot make sound decisions about their own bodies or relationships, nor can they respect their own bodies and choices. They also cannot decide how to relate to others and participate in public life. Sex Education in America has been under constant dispute for years. Opponents of sexual education believe that sexual education removes parental control over children’s sexual activities and promotes contraceptive practices that may be unsafe for some.
Proponents of sexual education say that the introduction of condoms in schools will decrease the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condom use in the United States is not nearly as widespread as it is throughout the world, so effective methods of contraception are not always readily available. However, studies have shown that the introduction of condoms reduces the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies and other sexually transmitted diseases. Among adolescents, who are at greatest risk for these diseases, condom use does decrease the risk of having intercourse with multiple partners, having sex before marriage, and engaging in oral and anal sex. Oral and anal sex are the two most common causes of the spread of STD’s.
Sexually active adolescents also need to know healthy decisions about their sexuality. One of the most common and detrimental behaviors among this age group is exhibitionism. Exposing one’s self to unwanted bodily fluids or objects increases the likelihood that someone will come down with an STD. Sex Education will help young people make healthy decisions about their own bodies and relationships. It will also help them make healthy decisions about their own self-esteem.
Abstinence is another concern among sexually active teens. Many schools are now prohibiting the practice of abstinence, especially when it comes to teen pregnancy. Although there has been much debate on whether abstinence is a moral and practical lifestyle choice, most support abstinence as a practice that teaches abstinence and the importance of being consistent. With increased access to contraceptives and safe abortion and childbirth options, abstinence has lost much of its perceived meaning. Even though abstinence has been shown to be ineffective in preventing pregnancy and STDs, teen pregnancy rates have continued to increase, and it is now an issue that many people tackle on their own. The promotion of abstinence has been a challenge for religious communities, but many school districts are now including abstinence education in their curricula.
In an effort to combat the rising problem of teenage pregnancy and STDs, several states are now passing what is called “informed consent” programs into their public school curricula. This type of policy requires that students be informed of information that they may not necessarily find to be medically accurate or relevant, such as birth control methods and treatments. Many school districts have also incorporated informational brochures into their curricula, which inform students of the benefits and risks of sexual activity. By promoting sound sex education in schools, the hope is that student pregnancy and other negative health outcomes will decrease.