Comprehensive Sex Education vs. Abstinence Only Education

sex_education.jpg

Comprehensive Sex Education or Abstinence Only Education? Which is the best way to teach adolescents about sex?
There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Comprehensive sex education is just that-comprehensive. It includes safer sex education, discussion and teaching about birth control, condoms, pregnancy options, intimacy and romantic relationships between all genders. Depending on the curriculum you may find skill building exercises, self esteem and body image lesson plans, sexual assault and how alcohol and drugs can influence sexual decision making. Abstinence is also taught as part of comprehensive sex education. Which comes as a surprise to a lot of people. There is a stereotype that teaching comprehensive or safer sex education leaves abstinence at the curb. That is not true. Comprehensive and safer sex education seeks to include all topics and is supportive of abstinence as an appropriate practice for adolescents.

Abstinence only education is just that. Abstinence only. There is no discussion of condoms, birth control, or any options for sexual behavior other than abstinence until marriage. The marriage discussed in abstinence only education is between a man and a woman only. This leaves out anyone of a different sexual orientation. Students who ask questions in class about condoms and safer sex are told only that the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is to practice abstinence.

What is interesting is that abstinence is the method of birth control that has the highest failure rate. People mean well, they intend to abstain from sex. But then when the moment comes they do have sex,it is usually unprotected because they are unprepared, uneducated and have been taught that if they do have sex they should feel guilty and ashamed.

The best, most effective sex education is where abstinence is combined with safer sex education and information. Take that a step further and have parents be involved to take factual information and talk to their kids about incorporating their values into the mix and society will have the best of both worlds. Well educated adolescents and parents involved to help them make good sexual decisions.


 

Need Help? A Counselor is Waiting

All Sessions Start for Free - Click below to get started

 

Sponsored Links

Related Articles

  • article thumbnail
    Safe Sex Education vs Abstinence Only
    Safe sex education vs. abstinence only has been a heated debate topic for decades. Schools play a large role in this topic. Many teachers feel it is important to teach teenage…
  • article thumbnail
    Safe Sex Education in Schools
    For many years, safe sex education in schools has been a controversial subject. Many parents want their children taught about safe sex and just as many parents think sex educa…
  • article thumbnail
    Safe Sex VS Abstinence
    When we look at safe sex vs abstinence, abstinence has always and will always win. Abstinence is the only one hundred percent effective form of birth control to prevent pregna…
 

Support Groups

SupportGroups.com

For individuals, friends and families who are need to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support in a confidential, caring environment.

 

 
disclaimer

The information provided on Contracept.org is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of Contracept.org nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.

Sponsored Links

Online Support Groups

visit SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.

Selected Support Groups

 

Need Help? A Counselor is Waiting

All Sessions Start for Free

 

Login or Sign Up

randomness