Sex education: curriculum, implementation, and outcomes

Sex education is an important aspect of youth welfare and health programs. Given the highly active sexual life of high school teenagers in our nation it is only judicious to stress the importance of using condoms in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Nationwide statistics reveal a startling increase in sexual activity among teenagers as reflected by the huge surge in teenage pregnancies and abortions. The widespread epidemic of AIDS and the increasing prevalence of other sexually transmitted diseases have further made it imperative for us to act in an efficient manner. Safe sex is a matter of urgency and high priority. However, there are some groups who question sexual education on the premise that it would only provoke young students into early sexual activity. Under these circumstances, sex education for high school children has become a much-debated topic. Let us have some statistical insight into the problem so that we can understand the importance of educating students about sexually transmittable diseases and making them knowledgeable about preventive methods, in particular the use of condoms.

Statistical data compiled in 2000 indicate that American teenagers show high sexual activity. More than 86% of unmarried males and 75% of girls under 19 years of age have already had sex. Nationwide school statistics also indicate that more than 57% eleventh graders and 72% of 12th graders have already had intercourse. Furthermore the average age for first time intercourse has dropped significantly to 15 and 14 for girls and boys respectively. Even more alarming is the fact that more than 19% of high schoolers have admitted to having sex with multiple partners (three or four). A study by Allen Guttemacher institute shows that in America more than 1000 teenagers become mothers each day. [Bradley Buhro]

Given this highly active sexual life for high school teenagers in our nation it is only judicious on the part of the school system to make sex education part of the school curriculum and in particular stress the importance of using condoms in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. A recent study conducted in Washington State has indicated enormous support for sex education and use of condoms for high school children. In the statewide survey more than 97% of parents of high school students supported sex education. Among them 53% directly supported the idea of making condoms available for sexually active high schoolers. The survey also revealed that 89% of the parents regarded condom usage as a responsible sexual behavior. [Global Strategy Group]

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