The Debate Around Sex Education in Schools

Whether across political party lines, religious associations, or age groups, everyone seems to hold a strong, set opinion on sex education in schools. Though these varying opinions are certainly all valid, SHA would like to expand on some statistics related to this matter to help make these discussions fact-based and comprehensive in nature so that when advocating for your stance, you can be sure you come from an informed background. We recognize that this is not a one-size-fits-all programming plan; in some ways, teaching about the benefits of abstinence while also offering family planning measures can be wildly helpful to individuals in making their own decisions about their own bodies. However, as you will see, most of the discrepancies nationwide seem to be rooted in disagreements between public opinion and policymakers’ actions. This is precisely why discussing these topics and illuminating these facts is so important, albeit uncomfortable at times. Never fear, SHA is here to help guide you through these issues in as comfortable a way as possible. 

In a nationwide study, 82% of survey respondents reported supporting sex education programs in public schools that aim to teach students about both abstinence and other forms of pregnancy and STI prevention. This statistic might come as a surprise, given that many states tend to operate in only one way or the other. Yet this simple public opinion poll highlights that this is not necessarily a choice that needs to be made. After all, truly comprehensive sex education includes all viewpoints in order to let the individual make up their own mind. In fact, abstinence-only education received the highest levels of opposition and the lowest levels of support. This suggests a change over time away from outdated ideals overvaluing the “sanctity of marriage,” and towards the acceptance of healthy sexual relationships throughout one’s lifetime, while also not disparaging these original viewpoints. 

Though, when it comes to parents, these opinions get stronger as they consider the future of their children as well as having to face the idea that their children will one day engage in adult sexual activities. This is completely understandable, and just one of the many transitions both parents and their children will undergo through the course of their education. However, when considering the state of the world today and the many instances of non-consensual sex being forced on others, it is less surprising that more parents are willing to begin this transition younger and younger. A Texas study reported that 80% of parents believed their children’s sex education should begin in middle school or younger. Moreover, regardless of political affiliation, over 89% of parents across the United States supported sex education, including subjects of puberty, relationships, abstinence, STIs, and birth control. The real difference between Democrat and Republican parents, then, lies with the subject of sexual orientation. This is a major topic when it comes to sex education and health, but it is also widely debated, especially more recently with talk of teachers “grooming” students. Hispanic parents were the most in support of sharing medically accurate information on contraception and STIs with their children, revealing some other demographic characteristics that could affect personal opinions. 

Examining the statistics on STI and teen pregnancy rates further explains why this sex education is needed among the youth. By the end of high school, two-thirds of students are sexually active, with one in five people have had more than four sexual partners. This leads to two-thirds of all STIs occurring in people under the age of 25. Additionally, connected to the sexual orientation debate, 50% of all new HIV infections in the United States are among those under 25 years old. These numbers are not only troubling but show an increase cross-temporally. In contrast, teenage pregnancy rates have been steadily decreasing since 1991, but the United States remains above other developed countries. Studies show that sexual health outcomes are more positive in European countries than in the United States because of societal openness in talking about sexuality, coupled with realistic governmental policies. This is important not only to the individual and the family, but also to the workforce at large as teenage pregnancies contribute to high school drop-out rates, risky behavior, and lower levels of prenatal care creating risks to the mother’s wellbeing and the child’s future economic contributions. In combatting these negative outcomes, the development of new STI prevention initiatives and programs, community teenage pregnancy prevention collaboratives, youth development, and state and local government policies can boost engagement in normal sex education programs (as trends in participation have decreased recently), allowing for multi-level cooperation in healthy sex education. 

Further, advocacy and informed voting practices are the most prudent ways in which to shift these trends towards a more healthy future for our youth regarding sex education in schools. Collaboration between citizens, data collectors, and policymakers is important for concerns to be heard and action to be taken. Simply by listening to the current college-aged youth, we can see that changes to our current system need to be enacted. These recommendations include being taught basic information about sex earlier and more often by trained professionals, covering diverse sexual behaviors and identities, discussing the social and emotional aspects of sexual relationships, and making sure the information is updated and realistic to encompass a wide range of viewpoints and values. To start, SHA recommends you educate yourself and others on the facts, contact your government representatives to advocate for change and take steps towards understanding those whose views differ from your own. In essence, we all want the same things for our kids, and these statistics only serve to show us that these desires are more relevant than ever. 

By Emily Carriere