Final essay

Chandler Abrams

Period 7/8

Writers Workshop

            

Abstinence Programs and Sex Education

Teenage sexual activity is a major problem confronting the nation and has led to a rising incidence of teenage pregnancy. Abstinence education programs or Sex education must take place in all schools. Not only do they teach the importance of practicing abstinence and using contraceptives, but it allows students to fully comprehend and understand that abstaining from sex is the only way to avoid all physical, mental, financial, and emotional risks. Sex education was originally started in schools to teach students about physical and sexual maturation. However, with the increasingly surprising rate in teenage pregnancy, schools teaching abstinence or safe sex shouldn’t be an option, but a requirement.

The United Families International Blog (UFI) states: “The world we live in has been sexualized in just about every way. Our children can’t turn on the television without being inundated with racy images and messages. How do children growing up in this environment learn about respecting themselves and others as they contemplate sexual activities? How do they learn what is or isn’t appropriate, and at what age? How can they learn the skills necessary to resist what pop-culture tries to constantly force upon them in terms of sexuality and self-image?” (UFI) This quote made me realize how televison, commercials, celebrities, etc., can really be a huge affect on young teenages. Being sexy, hot, and easy isn't the proper image for yong teens in todays society.  Studies show having abstinence programs or sex education are effective in the following ways: it provides basic and accurate information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and why you should avoid it, uses social learning theories that have been used by other health promotion programs that are successful, gives clear messages, incorporates information appropriate to the age, sexual experience, and culture of the students.

Over the years, teen pregnancy has been on the rise. Many people may wonder why, while several are blaming schools for not having abstinence or sex education programs. Teen Mom is an American reality television show that premiered on MTV last year in December. The show was a spin off and had millions of interested viewers. However many people argued why are these teens sixteen and pregnant? After watching and loving the show myself, I wondered if these young girls were ever enrolled in abstinence or sex education programs in their schools. Did they fully understand the importance of using contraceptives or practicing abstinence, or were they never taught that? This controversy left me very fascinated and curious. I strongly argue if each and every teenager is taught why abstinence is important, why contraceptives must be used, and all the consequences and risks you can face, teenage pregnancy would no longer be on the rise. After reading the article Safe Sex, by Robert Greenberger, I realized if you decide to have sex, it is your responsibility to do it safely. Schools must take action and help prevent teenage pregnancy. (Greenberger)

Are you the type of parent that believe sex education should be done by the parents at home, or do you believe it should only be taught in school? Having abstinence or sex education programs in school has lead to a huge controversial issue. Surprisingly, in the article Sex Education, 93% of Americans support teaching sex education to high school students, while 84 percent support sexuality education to junior high students.  (Pg 1 par 1)This statistic shocked me that many parents find themselves more concerned about the environment their children find themselves exposed to when sex-education classes are being taught.  Some believe teaching students how to use birth-control will only encourage them to be sexually active. In The Public School’s Parent Network, I read the article The Caliber of Sex-Ed in Public Schools, and found out that some parents believe when there’s a class full of immature adolescents combined with a serious matter, giggles whoops and hollers is all that’s going on. (SPN par 2) Many parents wonder if the message can’t be delivered responsibly then should it be delivered at all. I strongly oppose this controversial argument and believe with out sex education or abstinence programs in schools, the number of teenage pregnancy would strongly increase and leave kids unaware of the importance of practicing safe sex, or remaining abstinent.

In conclusion, abstinence and sex education in schools should not be a question, but the answer. It’s a great developing field, and it allows teens to fully comprehend and understand the importance of using contraceptives or practicing abstinence, as well as all the mental, financial, physical, and emotional risks. Teenage pregnancy has been on the rise and a huge disappointment to many. Let’s face the facts, teens know what it is, they want it, and they really don’t know enough about it to do it safely. Schools must stress the importance and consequences of sexual intercourse. As abstinence programs develop and become more broadly available, future evaluations will enable the programs to hone and increase their effectiveness.