Sexual education has always been a tricky subject among youth and incorporating it into the curriculum, as I mentioned before when talking about religion. This sort of education becomes necessary as youth get older and begin to become curious about their bodies, whether it be from the school or from their individual’s parents becomes the snagging point for much of the controversy. There are a number of reasons pro education and con education and they are as follows:
-Children are taught in a timely manner about the consequences and modes of protection.
-Knowledge is power, children exposed to issues of sex at a young age, thus (hopefully) preventing mistakes when they do become sexual active
- Class environment leaves everybody learning at the same pace, about the same things with open dialogue.
-Certain religions have different beliefs that go against what is taught in sex ed.
-Some parents believe it will lead to the sexualization of younger children.
-Some parents believe it is their duty to educate their children about sexual health.
Both sides, parents and educators, have valid reasons for voting the way they do but that still leaves the question: Should sex ed be a part of the curriculum? According to some sources there really is not any question to ask. Sex ed should definitely be a part of the curriculum for not only the above reasons, but because they found that the abstinence approach was simply not effective. Youth without the proper information are far more sexually dangerous than those with a good education.
There are numerous articles online so it is difficult to review just one on the matter, but this website Advocates for Youth, aims to reinforce the positive aspects of sexual education, providing resources for youth, for educators and for parents. They aim to include everybody in the process of educating youth, aiming to get the lowest rates of teen pregnancy and STIs. With websites like this, it can ensure that all students are getting the same information, keeping youth on equal playing field and not feeling disadvantaged when the time comes that are faced in the choice to have sex. Sexual Education is a vital part of the curriculum as it teaches youth valuable information that will hopefully carry them successfully through life until they are ready to commit to not only the act of sex but to the consequences of what comes with it.
I do believe in sexual education being taught in school as well as at home or in the community. If parents believe that it is something that they should discuss and not the teachers then they take it upon themselves early. Touchy subjects such as this cannot be left to just the teachers. The community as a whole should take part in this in my opinion. However perhaps those who disagree with the sexual education being taught in school should perhaps look into schools that follow their moral or spiritual values as we cannot force our values on others.
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