Abstinence sex ed shows promising trends

[scooterbug44]

I don't have a problem w/ teaching abstinence as part of sex ed - but they still need to recognize that is not a 100% solution and teach about how to be sexually healthy and responsible.

And not to be graphic, but you can still do a lot and catch a lot while still technically remaining a virgin - most teens' definition of abstinence.

 

[Jesus]

We'll have to ask Jesus what he thinks about this. Abstinence is what put him here, so I guess in some sense it "works".

You are quite witty.


So here's what I think:

It would be unwise to conclude (at least from the study) that lessons in abstinence are effective in lowering pregnancy rates or preventing STD's. The sex that the mammals in the study will inevitably be having (along with its potential negative outcomes) is just being delayed. Don't get me wrong- that's good. But our objective isn't to delay problems.

The bigger takeaway here (per the article) is that the abstinence message was successful at delaying sex because it wasn't based on morals or religion. It didn't portray sex outside marriage as never appropriate; and did not disparage birth control. It seems to have been nonjudgemental across the board.

Kids make wise decisions if we inform them rather than preach to them. And we need to inform them as much as possible.

 

[Just Curious]

What's wrong with abstinence and birth control classes? Interesting that the pregnancy rates weren't mentioned.

It's pretty simple math.

100 students get abstinence education and only 1/3 have sex.
100 students get birth control education and 1/2 have sex.

Which population has a higher incidence of teen pregnancy or disease?

Wait... Can you say that again?




Ah, I hate math!

 

[Susan Horn]

Wait... Can you say that again?




Ah, I hate math!

Sorry, I didn't read the study, but I'm guessing the ones who had abstinence classes didn't get the how-to on STD prevention and pregnancy prevention, so although fewer of them had sex, it seems the chances of those that did getting preg or diseased might be higher than for the 50% of the kids who had birth control classes.

I hate math too.

 

[30ashopper]

Teaching abstinence is great- as long as safe sex and birth control are discussed along with the abstinence message. Trying to prove over and over that abstinence-only is a sound and viable is ridiculous- let's just hand these kids a baby and an STD on the side.

Stats show that most of these kids taught the abstinence-only message will have sex- it might be delayed a few months or a year, but it will happen. And sadly, when it happens and these kids know nothing about birth control or safe sex, guess what happens. Hello baby and STDs!

I think both those decisions should be left to the parents, not the schools. Personally if I had kids, I'd think I'd prefer to handle the latter discussion myself.

 

[Jdarg]

I think both those decisions should be left to the parents, not the schools. Personally if I had kids, I'd think I'd prefer to handle the latter discussion myself.

You are assuming that all parents "parent".;-)

 

[Lynnie]

I don't know. It seems strange to me that if there isn't abstinence ed or sex/STD ed, that the children wouldn't know about condoms and safety in sex.

We didn't have sex ed until we were seniors probably, but we all knew what a condom was and how to use one safely....those who were sex savvy, that is.

They learn from each other and are smarter than we think, I think. And, we are living in the Information Age. They know. My guess is those who get pregnant or contract an STD, well they just didn't have time...........

 

[Alicia Leonard]

You are assuming that all parents "parent".;-)

Parents who don't parent become grandparents long before they are ready.;-)

 

[Alicia Leonard]

I don't know. It seems strange to me that if there isn't abstinence ed or sex/STD ed, that the children wouldn't know about condoms and safety in sex.

We didn't have sex ed until we were seniors probably, but we all knew what a condom was and how to use one safely....those who were sex savvy, that is.

They learn from each other and are smarter than we think, I think. And, we are living in the Information Age. They know. My guess is those who get pregnant or contract an STD, well they just didn't have time...........

No to mention the conflicting image we send kids. Sex sells in their media, but they are not suppose to imitate it.

 

[Matt J]

Ah the good ol' days.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E2P5vTxFfs"]YouTube- 1966 VD teen educational film[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY2YxlQ5LXQ"]YouTube- 1960s Sex Ed[/ame]