The Importance Of Providing Early Sex Education

1792 Words8 Pages
Sex education has been a quandary in the United States since the late nineteenth century. America is very conservative in its attitude to educating young people about issues involving sex. In other countries, sex education is introduced at a much younger age than in the United States (Milton). Argument always exists whether the schools ought to be teaching abstinence sex education or comprehensive sex education. Religious groups have moral intentions by insisting that abstinence only programs be taught in the school systems, but it is the student’s right to be armed with the facts. Despite religious opposition and debate over the method in which it should be taught, early sex education in public schools is still the best defense against many teen-related sexual issues and is highly supported among the American population (NPR). Sex education should give students non-biased information. A scientific methodology would educate and inform them about biological and physical issues without imposing religious or ethical beliefs. “Attempts to impose narrow moralistic views about sex and sexuality on young people through sex education have failed.” (Forrest) This is apparent when reviewing the number of sexually active teenagers despite the current abstinence based programs that are promoted in schools. Learning how the body functions and discussing these topics in a scientific format will encourage teens to make informed decisions about their own sexual experiences before they are faced with them. This awareness will keep the teens from becoming overwhelmed and overburdened in decision-making moments. National Public Radio polls show that 39% of parents believe that educating children about sex will encourage them to become sexually active (NPR). This is contrary to what we see happening in other countries. In countries, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, where sex
Open Document