In a perfect world we would never have to worry about what our children do when we are not around, there would be no temptations, and we would be confident that our children will always make the right decision in various situations. Unfortunately as great as that may sound it is truly a fairy tale. In the real world, kids are bombarded by sexual content and are confronted with situations in which sexual contact can occur many many times more than most parents know or would ever want to know about. Times are different now then in they were in the past. Sex is everywhere: TV, movies, songs, magazines, and sexy clothing is marketed to younger and younger kids every day. This is why schools need to take a realistic approach to teaching sex ed. Children need to be provided with correct and complete information to provide a true understanding of sex, the repercussions, consequences, and effects of choices. Schools need to provide use as many approaches as possible to teach sex ed so kids will be able to make a educated decision in the inevitable situations they will encounter. To teach only abstinence is more harmful than teaching nothing. To say "just dont do it until you are married" provides nothing substantial for children to grasp on to. The abstinence-only approach is idealistic in thinking children will listen to that suggestion without any pertinent information to go along with it. As nice as an idea as that may be, it is incredibly ignorant, and does more harm than good. By strictly teaching abstinence, children have no knowledge of anything pertaining to sex and when in a situation involving sex they will have nothing to base their decision on except an idea that a teacher and/or parent may have told them. Also, it is in an adolescents nature to question, rebel or defy suggetions of their superiors which can lead to severe consequences. A prime example of that is Sara Palin and her youngest daughter. Sara Palin is a strict believer in abstinence and only abstinence to the point where she looks down on those who teach anything else. As most now know her youngest daughter just had a baby at the age of 16. Even more recently, Palin's daughter went on TV to express her feelings about how teaching abstinence doesn't work and that it should not be taught. Her unfortunate situation is proof about how teaching only abstinence is not a logical option for educating adolescents on the subject of sex. As much as I may not agree with the teaching of abstinence, I truly believe we should provide our children with ALL information, including that of abstinence and hope with a true understanding that with proper up bringing they will make smart decisions.
Hello Katie,
ReplyDeleteI also saw the Palin interview and I thought the same thing. Parents need to take the politics out of sex! I feel confident that I can provide my children with the information they need, but I cringe to think of the education their friends may receive if our system continues to teach abstinence. I would also feel better knowing my child could go to a reliable source if there was a question he/she had that was too embarrassing to ask mom. I think if people knew about CHES certification and would take the time to speak to their child's health teacher, they would be more open to a stranger teaching their children about making one of the most important decisions an adolescent can make.
I understand your feelings about the reality of sex everywhere especially in the media. However, abstinence CAN be taught and many teenagers do practive abstinence. Look at the website www.christianitytoday.com. Yes, it is difficult for teenagers to turn away from but it isn't impossible. Yes, teenage pregnancy does happen when you try to teach abstinence but it also happens when you educate about the consequences and facts. I want to teach my children about my beliefs. There are kids out there practicing abstinence and even though there are few I want my children to be a part of the few. I plan to educate them about facts and statistics but I will include our family's faith in Christianity. I want a choice on whether to allow my children to be taught by another adult. You have very valid points and I am very aware that my opinion and values are not shared by many yet that is my belief and that is how I want to raise my children. I appreciate your great and valid input.
ReplyDeleteKatie said...
ReplyDeleteI dont know if Im supposed to comment on my own blog but I want to respond to "Silver" I agree 110% with your intentions. Bottom line, parents are the ones who are responsible for the upbring of their children so it should be up to them HOW they do so. In no way do I believe abstinense doesnt work. I am completely aware of many teens sucsesfully practicing abstinence and that is wonderful! I think it is such a great thing when families have a strong faith in any beliefs and I think ur personal and your families spirituality and faith should be incorporated in all aspects of your childrens upbringing and education. It is just that today, the level of faith that you and your family share is not as strong as the faith of society as a whole so that is why I believe sex education should have a majority or factual based information but should most definately include a spiritual and or religious aspect as well. My appologies for anything disrespectful to your beliefs that I may have implied.
Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteI wanna start off by saying that I love the comic that you included in this blog. I feel that you brought up many good points about teaching abstinence only. I am christian and we are taught that abstinence is the moral thing to do according to the bible, but there are a lot of temptations in the world. We are very much so bombarded with sexual content everywhere we go or look so it makes it very hard to teach abstinence only in our day and time. I totally believe that having sex should follow marriage, but I think it is a better idea to teach what having premarital sex can cause. Teaching abstinence only will only cause more curiousity about it then it will hinder someone from having sex. If you only say just don't do it,it is not giving the specific reasons why it can be harmful or be a bad decision. I believe that Sarah Palin's daughter is a great example why not explaining things to children can be more harm then good.
Dominique: you hit the nail on the head!! I completely and totally agree with you. I was raised Catholic so I do have hope for "no sex before marriage" and have total respect for those who can do so. I am a very realistic and analytical person so I have the need for specific facts in order for me to come to a conclusion which is the root to my views and beliefs about sex ed. It is because of that that I also agree with you on the fact that the lack of information is a recipe for disaster. Without specific evidence on why certain things are bad, must mean that they are ok or good.
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