Improvement of Sex Education in the U.S.
Sex education is a newer concept within the United States education system. This educational policy was originally proposed in attempts of reducing the risk of non-consensual sex or sexual behavior, STDs, teen pregnancies, incest, and molestations. The basic foundation of sex education includes contraceptive usage, sexual reproduction, etc. Unfortunately, the lack of these teachings have rapidly increased over the years, leading to sexual education ignorance, sexually transmitted diseases, and teen pregnancy rates to skyrocket. The United States should currently focus on improving sex education by abolishing abstinence-only education, promoting overall safe sex, and teaching the youth about healthy relationships.
The United States should continue to improve their sex education among the youth by
mitigating the abstinence-only philosophy. Researchers at the University of Washington in
Seattle completed a study on the ineffectiveness of abstinence-only sex education
within the U.S. They found that “teenagers who received some type of comprehensive sex
education were 60 percent less likely to get pregnant or get someone else pregnant. In 2007, a
federal report showed that abstinence-only programs had ‘no impacts on rates of sexual
abstinence’” (Stay Teen). With the continuous funding of these organizations, these
abstinence-only policies are deemed a failure. Despite being originally implemented in
efforts of reducing STD and teen pregnancy rates, the results seem to be the exact opposite. As a
matter of fact, Patrick Malone, a director of communications for Sexuality Information and
Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), conducted a similar study that explains the
consequences of enforcing abstinence-only education. Because abstinence-based education only
teaches abstinence, it leaves teens with no knowledge of how to have safe, consensual sex and
the outcomes they may be faced with. As a result, “10% of young people are not aware of HIV
or AIDS, and others think that STDs are an “inevitable result of premarital sexual behavior”
(Malone). With more teens becoming sexually active and this abstinence-based education being
enforced among them, the youth is left without proper education on sex. This has led to
skyrocketing STD and teen pregnancy rates. Some argue that “there are 10 scientific evaluations
showing that real abstinence programs can be highly effective in reducing early sexual activity”
(Heritage). Unfortunately, this has been shown numerous times to be false. Advocates for Youth
states that “Evaluations of the effectiveness of state-funded abstinence-only-until-marriage
programs found no delay in first sex…six evaluations that assessed short-term changes in
behavior, three found no changes, two found increased sexual activity. Five evaluations looked
for but found no long-term impact in reducing teens’ sexual activities” (Advocates for Youth).
Overall, it can be concluded that this abstinence-only policy which happens to still be
implemented among our youth is detrimental in regards to increasing STD and teen pregnancy
rates. As an alternative, the United States should abolish this policy and instead replace it with
proper sex education.
The United States should promote overall safe sex. Another study done by Guttmacher,
found that “Between 2006-2010 and 2011-2013, there were significant declines in adolescent
females’ reports of receiving formal instruction about birth control, saying no to sex, STDs and
HIV/AIDS. There also was a significant decline in males’ reports of receiving formal instruction
about birth control."(Guttmacher). Based off of this study, it can be concluded that schools
requiring proper sex education and the promotion of contraceptives have significantly declined
over the years. There has been a rise in adolescents being essentially ignorant in regards to sex
education. Another study done by Advocates for Youth, an organization that helps young people
make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health, has
identified “highly effective sex education and HIV prevention programs that affect multiple
behaviors and/or achieve positive health impacts. Behavioral outcomes have included delaying
the initiation of sex as well as reducing the frequency of sex, the number of new partners, and the
incidence of unprotected sex, and/or increasing the use of condoms and contraception among
sexually active participants. Long-term impacts have included lower STI and/or pregnancy rates”
(Advocates for Youth). With the implementation of proper sex education, it has shown to be
significantly effective in reducing STD and teen pregnancy rates. Although, many argue that
"The majority of U.S. schools (66%) provide information about contraception, such
as condoms and birth control pills, as well as about other practices that fall in the safer-sex
category"(WebMD). In reality, a study conducted by Guttmacher revealed that "Many sexually
experienced teens (43% of males and 57% of females) do not receive formal instruction about
contraception before they first have sex; fewer received instruction about where to get birth
control (31% males, 46% females)"(Guttmacher). This is distinctly a result of improper or lack
of sex education within the youth, which correlates with the rising number of STDs among the
14-19 age group. With the increasing number of STDs and teen pregnancy and decreasing
number of sexually educated individuals, the United States should take this concern into
consideration and continue to combat this rising issue.
The United States should teach the youth about healthy relationships. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading national public health institute of the
United States, “1 in 4 adolescents experiences verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from
a dating partner each year” (Violence Prevention Works). With the lack of acknowledgement on
healthy and unhealthy relationships, this has led to young adults being victims of abuse, whether
it is physical, emotional, or sexual. Being able to distinguish signs of abusive relationships
from wholesome relationships is critical to either partner in regards to physical and emotional
health. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has also concluded that “A 2011 CDC
nationwide survey found that 23% of females and 14% of males who ever experienced rape,
physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, first experienced some form of partner
violence between 11 and 17 years of age. The 2013 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey found
approximately 10% of high school students reported physical victimization and 10% reported
sexual victimization from a dating partner in the 12 months* before they were surveyed”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Manipulation is an unfortunate presence
that may lurk behind many relationships. The youth have the right to be informed on what is and
isn’t normal in a relationship and how they can handle any concerns that pose a threat to their
mental or physical well-being. Some may arguethat there has been a “decline in the rate of
sexual assault is part of a widely observed decline in violent crime more generally, which is
down about 60 percent over the past 15 to 20 years” (Reason). Contrary to this belief, Love is
Respect, an organization that provides comprehensive education on healthy, unhealthy and
abusive dating relationships and behaviors, reveals that “one in three adolescents in the U.S. is a
victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far
exceeds rates of other types of youth violence” (Love is Respect). It is distinctly shown that
victims of abuse have grown at a rapid pace within the United States. Educating the youth on
recognizing signs of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and methods of properly handling it
before it develops into more serious forms of violence should be further prioritized. The overall
welfare of these adolescents is extremely fundamental, and so the United States education system
needs to foster and educate them to assure that they grow into a healthy adulthood.
It is vital that abolishing the abstinence-only philosophy, promotion of safe sex, and teaching of healthy relationships is taken into consideration. Sex is part of human nature, and many people within their lives engage in sexual activity or behavior as time progresses. In fact, “71% of American 19-year-olds have had intercourse. 99% of Americans will have sex in their lifetime” (The National Campaign). Because of this, it is crucial that individuals receive proper sex education as early in their lives as possible. Unfortunately, this is an area the United States seems to lack in, which has led to detrimental consequences. As a result, teen pregnancies, non-consensual sex, and STDs have begun to rise rapidly over the years. It can be concluded that promoting healthy sexual behavior through proper sex education is extremely beneficial and further mitigates the risks our youth may face as they grow into adulthood. Disregarding the reality that the youth of our country is and eventually will engage in sexual activity leads to many dire consequences. With the implementation of sex education, our children will be able to be acknowledged with the risks and facts about sex. It is essential that the United States sex education system takes action in leading our youth to a healthy future for themselves, as they will handle inevitable choices they may face as they begin to further mature and develop. The adolescents within America are the future of this country and so it would only be moral to continue to nourish, enlighten, and protect them.
Works Cited
"American Teens’ Sources of Sexual Health Education." Guttmacher Institute, Apr. 2016, www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/american-teens-sources-of-sexual-health-education_0.pdf. Accessed 25 Oct. 2016. The Guttmacher Institute is a research and policy organization that focuses on education on sexual and reproductive health within the U.S. and Globally as well. This particular resource includes information and statistics on the youth within the U.S. who are educated on sexual reproducation safety precautions, and different forms of contraceptives. This is a primary source because the this study is done by Guttmacher("American Teens&rsquo").
Bell, Kelly J. "Wake Up and Smell the Condoms: An Analysis of Sex Education Programs in the United States, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, France, and Germany." Inquiries Journal, 2009, www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/40/wake-up-and-smell-the-condoms-an-analysis-of-sex-education-programs-in-the-united-states-the-netherlands-sweden-australia-france-and-germany. Accessed 30 Oct. 2016. Kelly J. Bell graduated in 2011 with a concentration in Psychology from Simmons College in Boston, MA. This particular articles further portrays the lack of sex education offered in the U.S. in comparison to other countries. This source is secondary because the studies included are not done by the author(Bell).
Bleakley, Amy. "Public Opinion on Sex Education in US Schools." The JAMA Network, Nov. 2006, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/205706. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016. Dr. Bleakley's research investigates the intersection of youth, media, and health, particularly how media affect various health risk behaviors and cognitions. This particular source includes a study that gathers information on the public opinion on sex education in U.S. schools. This is a primary source because the study and information gathered is done by Dr. Bleakley(Bleakley).
Darroch, Jacqueline E., and Susheela Singh. "Differences in Teenage Pregnancy Rates Among Five Developed Countries: The Roles of Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use." Gutt Macher, www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/article_files/3324401.pdf. Accessed 25 Oct. 2016. Jacqueline E. Darroch is known to be involved with the Guttmacher Institue and has been engaged with numerous studies on sexual and reproductive health. She has worked with to obtain funding from private foundations, which includes the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Susheela Singh performs numerous studies on sexual and reproductive health participates in many professional organizations in the field. This includes the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population, the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization. This particular resource details the pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates across the world, putting in comparison to the United States. This source is primary because this research and study was done by the authors themselves (Darroch and Singh).
"Effective Sex Education." Advocates for Youth, www.advocatesforyouth.org/component/content/article/450-effective-sex-education. Accessed 25 Oct. 2016. Advocates for Youth is a nonprofit organization and advocacy group in the U.S. who is dedicated to sexual education, the prevention of HIV, and other STDs. This particular resource details the different statistics of STDs in the U.S. among the youth and teen pregnancy rates. This is an example of primary resource because it includes studies done by Advocates For Youth("Effective Sex Education").
"History of Sex Education." Future of Sex Education, futureofsexed.org/background.html. Accessed 30 Oct. 2016. FoSE(Future of Sex Education) partners have successfully completed numerous projects to advance the collective effort of improving sexuality education in U.S. schools. This particular article focuses on the significance of sex education among our youth and what the U.S. should do to improve. This source is primary because it includes statistics and research done by FoSE (FoSE).
"HIV, Other STD, and Pregnancy Prevention Education in Public Secondary Schools — 45 States, 2008–2010." Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Apr. 2012, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6113a2.htm. Accessed 2 Nov. 2016. CDC is a leading national public health institute of the United States that focuses on protecting public health. This particular source includes HIV, other STD, and Pregnancy Prevention Education in Public Secondary Schools. This is a primary source because the information is provided by CDC(CDC).
Kohler, Pamela K. "Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy." ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/profile/Pamela_Kohler/publication/5505124_Abstinence-Only_and_Comprehensive_Sex_Education_and_the_Initiation_of_Sexual_Activity_and_Teen_Pregnancy/links/0deec5176c9a610b17000000.pdf. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016. Kohler contributes to the Departments of Health Services and Epidemiology. This particular source details the dangers of educating the youth on abstinence only sex. This is a primary source because the study is done by Kohler(Kohler).
Madison, Amber. "America's 'Just Say No' Sex-Ed Policy Is More Harmful Than You Think." Refinery29, 1 Aug. 2016, www.refinery29.com/2016/02/104006/abstinence-sex-ed-america. Accessed 30 Oct. 2016. Amber Madison is a sex and relationship expert and therapist and has written 3 books based on sex and relationships. This particular article details the dangers of teaching abstinence-only sex education and how it has impacted the U.S. This source is primary because it includes studies and research done by Madison(Madison).
"OBAMACARE, SEX EDUCATION AND YOU." URGE, 11 Oct. 2013, urge.org/obamacare-sex-ed-and-youth/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2016. URGE is an organization that focuses on uniting the reproductive and gender equity. This particular source targets the correlation between comprehensive sex education, Obamacare, and the youth. This is a primary source because the information included is done by URGE(URGE).
Sarnoff, Rachel. "7 Problems With The State Of Sex Ed In America Today, And How We Can Make It Better." Bustle, 27 Aug. 2015, www.bustle.com/articles/104233-7-problems-with-the-state-of-sex-ed-in-america-today-and-how-we-can-make. Rachel Sanoff often does research in regards to sexual health, reproductive rights, consent activism, and dating/relationships. She received her BA in English + Labor Studies from UCLA. In this particular article, it goes in depth with the issues the U.S. has with implementing sex education among everyone, especially the youth. It also provides different ways the U.S. can strengthen in regards to sex education. This source is secondary because it includes studies that are not done by Rachel herself(Sarnoff).
"Sex and HIV Education." Guttmacher, 1 Oct. 2016, www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/facts-american-teens-sources-information-about-sex#23. Guttmacher Institute is a research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and Globally. This particular source goes in depth on the concerns of teen pregnancy and STDs from the 1970s to now. This is a primary resource because it includes statistics/facts that are done by this particular institute(Guttmacher).
"Sex Education." NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona, www.prochoicearizona.org/what-is-choice/sex-education/. NARAL is an organization that uses the political process in order to guarantee women's rights, which include bearing healthy children, preventing unintended pregnancy, and choosing legal abortion.This particular source includes information on the sex education process within the state of Arizona. This is considered a primary source because the research is done by this organization(NARAL).
"Sex Education." NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, prochoicetexas.org/learn-more/sex-education/. Accessed 31 Oct. 2016. NARAL is an organization working for access to the full range of reproductive rights for all Texans, including safe and legal abortion. This particular source includes a basic overview of how sex education works in Texas specifically. This is a primary source because the research is done by NARAL Pro-Choice Texas(NARAL).
"Sex Education." Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/issues/sex-education/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2016. Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health services both in the United States and globally. This particular source includes information/statistics on sex education and STD rates in America. This is a primary source because the statistics and research are done by this organization(Planned Parenthood).
"SIECUS State Profiles: Sexuality Education and Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in the States." SIECUS, ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/docs/19656-SIECUS_State_Profiles-2009.pdf. SIECUS or Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States was created in order to advocate and educate for the right of all the people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. This particular source includes information on sex education and abstinence only until marriage programs in the States. This is a primary source because the research is done by SIECUS (SIECUS).
Stranger-Hall, Kathrin F., and David W. Hall. "Abstinence-Only Education and Teen Pregnancy Rates: Why We Need Comprehensive Sex Education in the U.S." PLOS One, 14 Oct. 2011, journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0024658. Accessed 25 Oct. 2016. Kathryn Hall is affiliated with the Department of Plant Biology, and David Hall is affiliated with the Department of Genetics. Both attending the University of Georgia, they conduct researches in regards to sex education. In this particular article, it details the horror behind the major lack of sex education offered in the United States. It mentions statistics on the the U.S. containing the highest percentages of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This source is secondary because it includes studies which are not done by either of the authors(Stranger-Hall and Hall).
"Study looks at impact of sex education in US schools." Reuters, 9 Feb. 2012, www.reuters.com/article/health-sex-teens-idUSL4E8DA02Q20120210. Accessed 2 Nov. 2016. Reuters is the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, which is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, etc. This particular article details the impacts of sex education within different states in the U.S. This is a secondary source because the studies included are not done by Reuters (Reuters).
"Why is Sexuality Education Important?" Options for Sexual Health, www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/education/becoming-askable-adult/why-sexuality-education-important. Accessed 30 Oct. 2016. Options for Sexual Health is a nonprofit organization that focuses on sex education among the youth. This particular source details the importance of sex education and why it is needed. This is a primary source because the information included is from this organization itself (Options for Sexual Health).
"Why Sex Education Is Important." Stay Teen, stayteen.org/sex-ed/article/
why-sex-education-important. Stay Teen is an organization is a national campaign that
works on preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy. This particular source is focused on
the importance of sex education and why it should be more prioritized by the United
States sex education system. This source is primary because it includes statistics that are
found by this organization.
“Dating Abuse” Violence Prevention Works. www.loveisrespect.org/resources/dating-violence-statistics/. Love is
respect is an organization that focuses on engaging, educating and empowering young
people to prevent and end abusive relationships. This particular source focuses on the
why it is important to lower physical and emotional abuse within relationships. This
source is secondary because it takes information and statistics from other sources.