Every state in the United
States requires some sort of education in areas such as sex education,
abstinence, contraception or, HIV/AIDS. [1]
The gray matter at hand is the issue of parental involvement in sex
education. Some states require parent
consent before their child can receive sex education, whereas others require
that students receive it regardless of parent concern.
Why do we put such an emphasis on sex education? The answer to this question has to be because
of the increasing teen births In the US.
The United States has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the
industrialized world. [2]
Along with this high rate, the children born from teen pregnancies have a
disadvantage in education and opportunity.
Another consequence that is a major issue from sexual activity includes
STDs and STIS.
CNN claims that many
parents complain about their children having to be taught sex education.[3] In reality most parents are just in denial of
their children having sex in the first place.
In my opinion teaching children about consequences of having sex and
contraception methods is important. Many
parent tend to avoid teaching their children these things themselves because
they find it either inappropriate or awkward.
Leaving this task to schools can help those permissive parents to
instill some insight to sex and the precautions that should be taken.
According to Sol Gordon,
“parents should be open and frank when they talk to their children about sex.”[4] I believe if parents created a open,
comfortable environment for their children to ask questions that a lot of
sexual consequences could be prevented.
Learning from mistakes and passing on your knowledge to your children
could be very beneficial.
In comparison to
colonial times we do not do exceedingly well at talking about sex. In
that time period people lived in very small quarters and it was very likely
that children would even see their parents engaging in sexual acts.
Bundling was a division between two sides of a bed typically with a
board.[5]
This was the condition for allowing sleepovers between their children and
their significant other. The board was also used to separate two couples
that may be sleeping in the same bed. The openness of sexual activity made
it easier for children to approach their parents about sex.
[1] unknown, . Kaiser Family
Foundationi, "State Sex and HIV Education Policy." Last modified
2012. Accessed February 17, 2014. http://kff.org/hivaids/state-indicator/sexhiv-education-policy/.
[2] unknown, . NCSL, "STATE
POLICIES ON SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS." Last modified Febuary 14, 2014.
Accessed February 17, 2014. http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-policies-on-sex-education-in-schools.aspx.
[3] Martin, Ronald. CNN, "Sex
education should be mandatory in all schools." Last modified October 29,
2011. Accessed February 17, 2014. http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/29/opinion/martin-sex-education/.
[4] Gordon, Sol. Advocates for
Youth, " Why Sex Education Also Belongs in the Home." Last modified
2001. Accessed February 17, 2014. http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/parents/166?task=view.
[5] Gardner, Andrew. Colonial
Williamsburg, "Courtship, Sex, and the Single Colonist." Last
modified 2007. Accessed February 17, 2014. http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Holiday07/court.cfm.
Lydia Boinest
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