There was a time when talking about sex, just not the case. That was many moons ago. Now, the teens start having sex at ever younger ages, and this changes the playing field. Everyone knows that parents need to talk to their children about sex education, but the lines are not so clear on sex education in schools. How can we educate our children about sex without resting, and should be a decision made by our school system? This is just one of many considerations on this important social issue.
The argument for sex education in school
Those who support this say it is because children are not getting the right amount of information at home and school is only to enhance the theme of parents talk to their children. Schools have been known to raise awareness of condoms and take other measures to help ensure that our children do not become pregnant. They say that sex education helps children who are sexually active to do it safely. Some even say that sex education in schools actually helps to prevent sex at an early age.
The argument against sex education in school
As a parent, I have a firm stance against sex education in school. The reason is quite simple really. Sex education in school can operate in contradiction to what a parent feels is appropriate, and the father should have the last word. Here's an example:
Sally taught at home that sex before marriage is wrong and should not have sex until then. She also teaches about the dangers of sex and the consequences that may arise as early teen pregnancy and disease. Sally then goes to school and attend sex education class. The class teacher delivers the message that students should use condoms if sexually active, and other similar messages, while at the same time, giving out condoms.
While these messages are accurate, are also indicative of the acceptance of sex among teenagers and send a mixed message. This sends the wrong message to teens compared to what Sally was taught at home, and can confuse the lines you have drawn a father to his children.
Sex education is something that should be taught at home, and then the basic school support through sex education classes. When the system is broken is the issue. Teaching children about how sex and the consequences of early sexual intercourse is a good thing. What you should and should not do is the area for parents, not schools.
While both arguments have some merit, I think parents should be aware of everything that is taught to children at the school where sex is concerned. Parents are not informed of these important facts, and when they are in contradiction with what the parent feels is right for your child, is simply wrong. Maybe the solution would be a combination of parents and teachers address the problems facing our children. This could only happen through about working together and much needed in the schools of America today.
