Can we talk about Sex? What are the benefits of incorporation of abstinence-only and abstinence-plus programs in schools?

Questions How is abstinence-plus and abstinence only programs defined in schools? What are the advantages and disadvantages of abstinence-plus & abstinence-only sex ed programs? Have poor curriculums regarding sex education contributed to increasing teen pregnancy rates? What is your take on sex education in school?

Sex Education in Schools Constance Sherrod Picture from Google images.

Overview 1. Define abstinence-plus and abstinence-only sex education programs 2. Advantages of abstinence-plus sex education programs 3. Advantages of abstinence-only sex education programs 4. Disadvantages of abstinence- plus and abstinence only sex education programs. 5. Teen pregnancy rates 6. My personal opinion concerning sex education in schools 7. Video on sex education

How are abstinence-only and abstinence-plus sex education programs defined? Abstinence-plus and Abstinence-only are two different methods of sexuality education used in schools. Abstinence-plus is a comprehensive sex ed program that, starts in kindergarten and covers age appropriate information concerning sexuality. Abstinence plus programs promotes abstinence from sex, teaches about the use of contraceptives and condoms, and acknowledges that teenagers may be involved or maybe thinking of becoming sexually active. Abstinence-only is a sex ed program that promotes abstinence from sex, does not teach about the use of contraceptives and condoms, and fails to acknowledge that teenagers may be involved or may be thinking of becoming sexually active.

Advantages of abstinence-plus sex ed programs Promotes abstinence from sex. Discuss the effective and use of contraceptives and condoms Discuss issues concerning sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and AIDS. Discuss abortion Discuss safe sex practices for heterosexuals, homosexuals, gay and lesbian individuals. Covers questions and issues concerning masturbation, oral sex, sexual reproduction, puberty, hormones, and other sexuality concerns.

Advantages of abstinence-only sex ed programs Promotes abstinence from sex-until-marriage. Children are not exposed to issues concerning abortion, homosexuality, and oral sex. Safe sex practices and preventions methods are not discussed. Parents are responsible for educating their children on sexuality education.

Disadvantages of abstinence-plus sex ed programs Disadvantages of Abstinence-plus: 1. Do not guarantee that the teenage pregnancy rate will decrease. 2. students are exposed to sexuality education too early. 3. Encourages students to seek sexual pleasures instead of healthy, lasting relationships. 4. student are exposed to different sexually orientations such as homosexuality and lesbianism. Picture from Google images

Disadvantages of abstinence-only sex ed programs Disadvantages of Abstinence-only: 1. Students are confused about the meaning of abstinence; as a result, engage in oral and anal sex because they believe that abstinence means abstaining from penile-vaginal intercourse. 2. Students are contracting STDs because they were not properly informed about safe oral and anal sex practices. 3. Students who are already experienced miss out on valuable information on how to protect themselves. 4. Females who have been pregnant or got abortions are treated as outcast. Picture from Google images

Has teenage pregnancy rates in the U. S Has teenage pregnancy rates in the U.S. increased or decreased in the last 10 years? Why or Why Not? The U.S. showed a slight increase in teenage pregnancy from 2005-2007. Teen Pregnancy Rates in the United States JANUARY 2010 Teen Pregnancy Rates per 1,000 Girls Aged 15-19, 2005 State Rate Rank New Mexico 93 1 Nevada 90 2 Arizona 89 3 Texas 88 4 Mississippi 85 5 ( Credited source- Link:http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pregnancy_data/default.aspx) Teen pregnancy rates and other information link: http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/pregnancy-childbirth-parenting/teen-pregnancy-rate-is-on-rise-2409.html

Issue concerning Teen Pregnancy According to USA Today, the highest teen birth rates are in the South and Southwest; Mississippi is highest with 68.4 per 1,000, followed by New Mexico, with a rate of 64.1 and Texas, with 63.1. The lowest rates are in the Northeast. New Hampshire had the fewest teen births with 18.7 per 1,000. Vermont, with 20.8 per 1,000, and Massachusetts, with 21.3 per 1,000, were also low. Decreases were noted in New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. Some researchers are placing the blame on the media for the increase in sexual behaviors among teens.

Personal Opinions concerning sex ed programs in schools I believe that abstinence-plus sex education are important because students of all sexuality orientations are informed about abstinence, safe sex practices, contraceptives, condoms use, and other important information concerning sexuality education. Parents who do not want their children exposed to sexuality education need to be prepare to educate their children on those issues.

So what is your take on sex education in school? Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?y=jCOx9_EjFDQ Comprehensive Sex Education programs are important and need to be taught in every public school. Chart from Google images