Does Abstinence-Only Sex Ed Really Work?
Concern (and debate) over sex education is still alive and well in the country—and on the iVillage boards—especially in light of a recent government study which revealed that one in four teen girls has a sexually transmitted disease. But further fueling the sex-ed debate is a U.S. survey that revealed comprehensive sex education that includes discussion of birth control may help reduce teen pregnancies, while abstinence-only programs seem to fall short.
Even before the results of the sex education study were released, some iVillagers already have objections to abstinence-only programs, which receive $176 million in government funds annually. Member beaches59 on the Parenting Issues Debate board says, "My objection to abstinence-only health education is that I'd much rather have my children get the scientific information and [be able to] make knowledgeable choices."
Many iVillagers, such as member lyn0905 from the June 2006 Playgroup, feel schools should have a comprehensive sex ed program: "While I think teaching abstinence is so important... we also need to help protect those that don't choose abstinence. I'm not sure how I feel about schools handing out condoms but I do think it's important for parents and sex ed programs to not only teach abstinence as a form of protection... but also how to use condoms correctly!"
Some, however, such as member momathome91041, feel abstinence-only sex education is effective because it disregards what may be confusing information: "I favor abstinence-only because it is the only thing that is both safe and effective. I believe that [sex] education that includes birth control teaching can only confuse some kids and lull them into believing that birth control equals 'safe sex' equals infallible--which it's not. It's not 100% fool-proof, it's not 100% safe, either."
Member susananderek has an opposing view, and believes it's important to give as much information as possible: "The fact is, teenagers are making the decision to either have sex or to not have sex. I know that any decision I make is best made with all the available information. And this is such an important decision. So I think that yes, let's teach them about abstinence—give them the tools they need to say no, if that is what their choice is going to be. But lets also give them the birth control and STD information. Demystify it, teach it, and hopefully the kids will learn enough to make good decisions."
Another member, thatyank, agrees and also thinks that teaching responsibly means teaching a comprehensive sex education: "Teaching ONLY abstinence is, at best, negligent,and at worst, criminal as this generation appears to be sadly ignorant of how [sexually transmitted] diseases are transmitted, of how vulnerable they are, and of what to do when symptoms are noticed..."
Share your thoughts. Are you in favor of abstinence-only sex education? Do you think it's effective? Leave your comments below.
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I don't think abstinence-only sex ed programs are effective. I believe in teaching abstinence but it should also be accompanied by a comprehensive sex ed--discuss birth control, etc. Abstinence-only is really teaching our kids to be ignorant, give them the information.
i agree with the poster above, i think we should inform teens about both abstinence AND birth control. abstinence only may work for some but let's face it, there will always be teens who choose to sexually active. we need to equip them with the information they need to keep themselves and their partners protected. and i know, people will say birth control is not 100% protection but it is a lot safer than no protection.
Teens and young adults should definitely be taught about birth control. Abstinence only is great, but only lives in a perfect,dream world. As a parent of two grown children,23 and 29, I would love to say neither had sex until they met the "right one" and married, but that's not the way of the world today. I can say that neither have had children because they are not ready to. Maybe educators and politicians shouldn't tell us what our children need to know, maybe we need to talk directly to our children and let them know what they need to know about sex and anything else they have questions about!
Has anyone checked the stats on teen pregnancy, STD infection rates, and depression with each program. My guess is that kids taught abstinence only are healthier, happier, and have a much higher self-esteem!
The stats and studies show that comprehensive sex ed reduces the rate of teen pregnancies and abstinence-only programs don't, and I think this is actually logical. I really believe teens need the information to be able to protect themselves. I think those who have ALL the information are the ones who are healthier, happier and more confident about themselves and the choices they ultimately make.
Like the saying goes, "if education is expensive, try ignorance". I believe both abstinence and sex ed should be taught our teens. Information is the key to a healthy living.
Like the saying goes, "if education is expensive, try ignorance". I believe both abstinences and sex ed should be taught our teens. Information is the key to a healthy living.
I just want to throw in my two cents. At 27 now, I grew up around this "new sexual revolution". It is so important for parents to talk to us frankly about all the issues surrounding sex, pregnancy, and disease. If as kids, we (I know, I'm not a kid anymore....) aren't informed about forms of protection, we get the information through hearsay.
Oh, coca cola is a spermicide? If he drinks enough Mountain Dew he won't be fertile enough? Doing it in a pool, the chlorine will kill anything, sperm, STDs, etc? And on top of all the bad information, we won't know how to properly use condoms, spermicides, etc and be falsely led to believe they are 100% effective 100% of the time.
And it is NOT just the role of schools to give this info out. As teens, we think our teachers are frumpy and "out of it". And even if we act like we don't want to listen to our parents, we do. It's your job as a parent to parent.
It has been proven that teenagers who have had an abstinence-only program are no more likely to engage in pre-marital sex or use a condom (if they do have intercourse) than teenagers who have had a "comprehensive" sex-ed class (focusing on safe-sex). In fact, neither program has show an effect on older teenagers' behaviors (17+). Abstinence-only programs also do not decrease the usage of condoms during intercourse, as some critics claimed. The teenagers in the abstinence-only program did have a better grasp on the consequences of their actions.
Elise actual hit the nail on the head. The only proven method, thus far, has been to teach abstinence along with protection. Some may say this program contradicts itself, but folks, does it matter if you don't like the program or if our teenagers are safe and healthy?
At home, parents have the right to teach whatever they believe is the healthiest for their child/children. But the spread of STDs is a full-blown epidemic that we, as informed and interested adults, are obligated to address and fix. Not only that, but when federal money is being spent on programs that have been proven ineffective at best, the country needs to stop believing and start thinking.
Personally, I think a abstinence-ONLY sex education program would not be the best choice. I belive teens should be provided with the all the pertinent information regarding their health. This to me is more a health issue than a "moral" issue, and I would be very concerned about what my kids don't know or understand. Of course, I would like them to come to me for any question they may have but it's also important that they be able to discuss these issues with professionals and their peers.
1. Considering that our U.S. public and parochial school system has (in general) failed to properly educate the current generation of kids in math and science
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120400730.html), I'm not sure how reasonable it is to expect that they would do any better in educating them on sex ed. (regardless of the program they are using).
2. Regardless of what a kid is taught in school about sex ed, they have unlimited access to information via other kids, the Internet, etc. Unfortunately, with special interest groups such as Planned Parenthood entrenched in schools and propogating lies on the Internet, the deck is stacked against today's kids.
3. The truth of the matter is that unless parents are actively involved (spending time, educating, setting a good example) with their children, there is a good chance for failure. That education process needs a severe dose in reality, to include the realities of the severe risks involved with pre-marital sex and use of contraceptives:
-There is a vast amount of data that has shown a link between use of the birth control pill and breast cancer (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/mar/06030705.html) and a link between the use of the birth control pill and cervical cancer.
(http://onemoresoul.com/newsview.php?idnum=173)
-There is a slippery slope which can lead from contraception to abortion. (http://onemoresoul.com/contraception-problems.php)
-There is no guarantee that use of condoms does not prevent transfer of AIDS.
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/oct/09/aids)
4. Until the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of kids are put in the forefront of the issue, our society will continue to struggle with the manifestations of these problems and continue to spend millions of dollars in medical and other costs.
Well, studies also show that the pill decrease ovarian cancer for decades: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22831167/ but I already see that the anonymoous poster is vehemently against birth control and Planned Parenthood and their so-called lied. But the truth is there are thousands, if not millions, of children and teens who do not have the support of parental figures. But a comprehensive sex ed would be just that--comprehensive. My teen has gone to a comprehensive sex ed program which teached abstinence and its benefits, and birth control methods, and its advantages and disadvantages. With her having all the information, she was able to understand and discuss intelligently the issues and the choices she face. But I also work with at-risk kids who have no parental support daily, and I know that a compreheinsive sex ed would be most appropriate for them.
As a devout Christian, I favor abstinence. HOWEVER, i know that most teenagers don't choose it, including many of my friends. While I think it's important to educate kids on how to say no, it's also important to educate them how to protect themselves should they choose to have sex. If we don't teach them, who will??? If we think it's bad now, wait and see what happens when condoms and birth control are NEVER taught in schools and see how bad it gets!!! It's like the whole "don't push the red button" thing. What's the first thing you want to do? PUSH THE RED BUTTON!!! If we don't treat sex as such a taboo, it will help dispell the curiosity to have it ASAP!
I agree with you Emily! I'm 16, and while I'm not sexually active, I think it's important for kids like me to have an open discussion about sex and its implications. I would rather have a comprehensive sex ed program that informs me about birth control and contraceptives. It won't make me want to have sex for goodness' sakes. Us teens are not stupid. If we want to be sexually active, we will be. But having the info about contraception or birth control will only help us make the right choices.
As an adult looking back on my teenage years I have to wonder if my choices would have been any different had I known exactly how each type of STD was transmitted and exactly how birth control and contraceptives actually work. Instead it was STD's are BAD. You get STD's by having SEX. Therefore SEX is BAD. Teenage pregnancy is BAD. You get pregnant by having SEX. Therefore SEX is doubly BAD. Until that magical moment you get married and then by some miracle you no longer have to worry. Educating teens on sex is basic. It will be more a part of their lives than calculus or knowing what an adverb is. Thankfully I had a family that was very open and willing to discuss how the human body really works. It doesn't have to be a morally driven education. It needs to be a straightforward and frank DISCUSSION between the students and the educator and it needs to last more than a couple days a year. Teens are not stupid, but without the correct information they can be ignorant and there's nothing worse than the 16 year old mom-to-be crying "but everyone said..."