The topic of sex education in public schools has been a hot one for some time. Those in favor of it argue that education is the answer to the rising rate of teen pregnancies and STD's. They are afraid the youth of today are not receiving the proper i nformation at home to protect themselves. Supporters feel if kids are provided with accurate information in school they will be equipped with the tools to make wise, healthy decisions. There are many others, however, who are against sex-ed being taught in schools. They argue that, perhaps, ideas of sex are being placed in kids' heads too early and this is leading to early sexual experimentation. Others argue that schools are pulling too far away from the basics and kids are not receiving a proper education. They find that schools are becoming side-tracked with social issues and are passing students through without appropriate academic knowledge.
This article from the journal Rethinking Schools presents many reasons why abstinence-only sex education does not work. It has great quotes and input from well-respected people and organizations. [Recommended by Stacy Baker and LaLaunie Hayes.]
This paper is provided by the Sexuality Informaitona dn Education Council of the United States (SEICUS). It defines "sexuality education" and addresses the goals of school-based sexuality education. What is required by and each state with regard to HIV, STD's and sexuality education is included. Especially informative is the information about the content of these programs in various states. [Recommended by Dawn Burden.]
Research paper describing the purpose of sex education and basis for comprehensive sex-education programs. [Recommended by Contessa Mendoza]
This article from the Journal of the American Medical Association reports results of a randomized controlled trial for testing the effectivenss of safer-sex or abstinence intervention in reducing HIV risk and adolescent sexual activity. The safer-sex interventions may have longer-lasting effects than abstinence interventions. Extensive bibliography. [Recommended by Contessa Mendoza.]
In his commentary, Lawrence Criner reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formed an alliance with special interest groups in 1996 to promote resistance to permissive sex education in the public schools. He is critical of the CDC for its efforts to promote comprehensive sexuality education in schools. [Recommended by Debra Busher.]
One-hundred-and-eighty-two PTA presidents completed a survey rating high interest topics of sex education.
Provides suggestions on how to educate students about sex and its risks.
Examines the aims of sex education. It argues that sex education saves lives and enables youth to think for themselves.
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