Sex Education

            In the United States, there is an exceptionally high rate of, teen pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS infections. This just emphasizes the importance of education, especially in the schools.  There has been controversy over whether or not sex education should be the responsibility of the school system. There is more evidence that parents either do not wish to teach their children until they are ready to, or they do not want it left up to someone else’s standards.  Typically, it should be up to the parent, but with more and more parents working, they do not have or make time to do so.  Some others choose not to altogether, perhaps for religious reasons.  It is a hot topic for today’s teens and how much they should really know.  It is hard to ignore that it is more common now for individuals to start having sex at an earlier age.  Someone needs to educate them.  That is why I believe that sex education should be mandatory in the schools.

            Evidence has proven beneficial that those who are aware of the facts make better decisions overall.  Research has shown, that honest, medically accurate sex education works.  Programs such as “abstinence-only” do not seem to be effective, for they include either false or inaccurate information.  The emphasis for proper use of birth control devices, such as condoms, is one of the most important issues.  Some of today’s sex education programs focus strongly on the need for better availability and education of birth control.  It is possible that these key facts about abstinence-only programs, are reasons for why support for better, honest sex education is greater than it has ever been.  If we want a better future for our youth, we need to protect them by providing them, at an early stage, the necessary information to make better decisions about sex.  That way, we can ensure, as responsible adults, that we care about their future.

            So, with all of this evidence, I find it important that we do our part to help today’s youth make better decisions about what have an impact on their futures.  Whatever it takes, whether it is encouraging parents to sit down with their children to have open and frank discussions about sex, or allow them to attend programs where they can be properly informed.  It is very important that we do something to curb the increased rate of teenage pregnancies and STDs.  If we do not do our part their futures will be in danger.