Sex education has been around for a long time, however, it is minimal and with recent laws, it’s become even broader. Our society today is becoming more sex-positive, stepping away from the stigmatization of sexual activities that have been around for so long. With this more people are engaging in these activities, so it’s more important than ever for sex education to teach students important things to know when engaging in these sexual activities.
An Important thing to note is that many students do and will end up participating in sexual activities, and this is something that won’t be changed. If this is something students are going to do, whether in their teenage years or as an adult, it is important to know how to do so safely. According to advocatesforyouth.org, “Sex education is the provision of information about bodily development, sex, sexuality, and relationships, along with skills-building to help young people communicate about and make informed decisions regarding sex and their sexual health.” Sex education is an essential part of education when it comes to health.
As of now, many sex education programs do not provide what is needed for sex education today. The talk of protection is limited and all the options aren’t even brought up. The different forms of sexual activity aren’t talked about and this means that how to engage in these activities safely isn’t taught. Safety is important, and so kids must be taught how to safely engage in sexual activities. As students grow up and start doing more in life this knowledge will become essential to them.
Many of the arguments against better sex education are rooted in the idea that sexual activities are inappropriate and that teaching students about sexual activities will prompt them to participate in those activities. The fact of the matter is that sex education can be kept to an age-appropriate level; it does not have to expose kids to too mature content. Sex education can get more detailed as the students grow older and more mature. Another point to add is many students will engage in these activities either way (as adults or as students). Statistics are proving that inadequate sex education and the promotion of abstinence don’t decline the amount of teen pregnancy. Comprehensive sex education is associated with a decline in teen pregnancies.
The alternative learning methods, and what most teens and young adults are exposed to now, are exposure and education through media. People learn terms online, and look them up, which can not only expose them to harmful things but provide insufficient information. Learning about these things in a safe, controlled Environment, where you can ask questions can be extremely beneficial.
The topic of sexuality shouldn’t be uncomfortable. The different ways to engage in activities, and how you do so safely, is an essential life skill. This is what school is meant to do, teach kids the skills they need for life.
With all this being said sex education should be kept to an age-appropriate level, but as students get older the curriculum can become more mature. Teaching kids the necessary precautions during sexual activities is about sexual health, and maintaining safety. Safety is important, and so kids must be taught how to safely engage in sexual activities when they decide.