Sex_Education_in_School

Argument Research Essay Sexual Education in Schools Many People believe that Sexual Education in schools could be harmful to our teens, but recent studies have determined that students that have had formal sexual education classes are more likely to make more responsible decisions about sex (Pan, par. 4). Teaching Sexual Education in high schools help the students to set goals, to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), and to overcome peer pressure. Setting goals is essential for the teenage student to become successful not only in everyday life but also in a relationship. Many students have made the vow, “True Love Waits,” which is a pledge that challenges teenagers and college students to practice abstinence until marriage. Abstinence contributes to the success of the student’s life by allowing young relationships to fully develop, focusing on communication and the satisfaction of a partnership without sexual tensions. Not stressing about sexual tension also enables teenagers to focus on their long term goals such as college and future career opportunities. Not only does sexual education help to keep young relationships pure by promoting abstinence and keeping their focus of future goals, but it also has proven to significantly lower the risk of pregnancy of girls between fifteen to nineteen years old (Manhart 344-351). The sexual education curriculum also teaches the young adults about sexually transmitted diseases. Prevention of pregnancy and STD’s are taught by encouraging students to practice abstinence. In some sexual education classes, the principle of safe sex is taught by informing the students about the various forms of contraception and birth control. “Recent studies on sex education have shown that providing youths with the skills and knowledge to make responsible decisions about sex may help to reduce more than 750,000 teen pregnancies and more than 9 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases that occur yearly among Americans aged 15-24” (Pan, par. 19). Even though the knowledge of abstinence and contraception has proven to delay sexual intercourse among teenagers, sometimes that is not enough. According to the sexual education curriculum, it is imperative to teach the students to resist the peer pressure from their fellow classmates. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons that young adults participate in sexual intercourse before they are ready. This class helps students to think of creative ways of saying “NO” and helps boost the students self esteem by reassuring them that saying “NO” will not make them appear any less attractive. It explains that people are more attractive when they have morals and have the confidence to stand by them. Sexual Education in United States school systems have been a major controversy between parents and teachers, but it has proven to be a helpful tool in decisions made by young adults concerning sexual activities. Having Sexual Education in a formal setting can make it easier for the student to be comfortable about discussing sexual topics. It also teaches the students to set goals, avoid pregnancy and STD’s, and to handle peer pressure. Works Cited Manhart, Lisa E., Pamela K.  Kohler, William E.  Lafferty. “Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy.” Journal of Adolescent Health. Volume 42, Issue 4. April 2008. Web. June 30, 2010 Pan, Deborah. “No Matter the Approach, Sex Ed Works.” ABC News. December 19, 2007. Web. June 30, 2010.