The Importance Of Sex Education In Schools And In Life

Talking about the birds and the bees, as it is often called, is usually a subject matter parents try to avoid. After all, it is not an easy topic to be discussed with children. Failure to educate children about sex leads to unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, children are mentally and physically maturing at a rapid rate. Therefore, it is vital children are properly taught about sex to alleviate any misconceptions. According to Hyewon Shin, Jung Min Lee and Ji Young Min, “appropriate education is necessary before elementary school students are exposed to material that they may not fully understand” (313). This is confirmation that children are finding other avenues to learn about sex before being properly informed which could lead to severe consequences. It is necessary sex education be taught in schools nationwide rather than home because of the depth of knowledge and information provided by teachers or counselors.

Despite the advancements and opportunities made by educators in teaching sex education in schools, some parents prevent their children from taking part in such curriculum, therefore, limiting their education on the subject. Some parents will provide information about sex to their children, but is only basic information such as, the use of contraception to avoid pregnancy. Educators can provide greater details about sex, than just the sex itself. Many of them have gone to college in order to master teaching sex to the uneducated. They explain things beyond sex such as, having children, marriage, and diseases. Furthermore, sex education should be diverse in providing attention to sensitive subject matters like sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, human anatomy, sexual behavior, diseases, peer pressure, and pregnancy prevention (Corngold 441). With the discussion of these topics, some children may feel more comfortable talking to another person besides their parent or guardian. Parents can be very judgmental when it comes to children asking questions or expressing their feelings and tend to take things the wrong way. With sex education being taught in schools, children can be themselves and ask questions without feeling like they are being judged.

Having students involved in sex education at school could benefit them in many ways. Many educators make learning more hands on, fun, and students are able to learn more about elements beyond sex. Students often participate in many experiments, sessions, or discussions as a whole or break off into groups. Douglas Kirby studied fifty-four sex education programs and divided them into five types which are curriculum-based, clinician-patient interactions in clinic settings, video and computer based, and multi-component (143). Allowing students the opportunity to learn from different tools will make them feel as though they have a choice in what is being taught. They will provide more feedback, pay close attention, and most importantly show interest by attending the sessions. Furthermore, parents can also take advantage of these learning tools. Also, when using these techniques, instruction is “definite, non-technical, as complete as possible, and illustrated with charts and graphs” (Michener 211). Students as well as parents, learn in a practical way which is easier to understand, especially when it comes to discussions regarding the function of sex, pregnancy, menstruation, and sex in marriage. As previously indicated, in today’s world, children learn about sex at an early age.

Kids younger than teenagers have asked their parents questions regarding sex. The content involving those questions increase every year. Although some parents can answer those questions confidently, others have a difficult time explaining. There are parents who have never provided sex education to their children at all and are even afraid to mention the word to their kids. Most parents feel embarrassed or uncomfortable when discussing sex with their children (Shin, et al. 313). Although most parents prefer themselves teaching their children about sex because they are the most important figures in their children’s’ lives, they do agree that someone on a more professional level may be better. This is because most parents lack the appropriate knowledge and have their own misconceptions and misunderstandings, therefore, failing to educate children at home. Now, it is important that both children and parents are provided sex education. Hyewon Shin, Jung Min Lee, and Ji Young Min state, “It is important for parents to learn more about sex education from experts or educators who are better qualified to provide the most accurate and recent information... ” (322). They confirm that it is best for children to learn sex education through school because some parents are not educated themselves on new information and studies.

Not only should comprehensive sex education be provided to kids, but also the importance of practicing safe sex or altogether, abstinence. Since parents are not discussing this at home, children fail to know the importance. However, school sex education programs will express the importance of abstinence or safe sex. Educators have formatted programs to educate kids on the proper way to participate and engage in safe sex when they are ready. Additionally, educators would provide facts regarding how high teen pregnancy is in the United States, how diseases affect the young, and the rates of diseases affecting certain ethnicities and genders. Douglas Kirby indicates, “The researchers conducting these studies demonstrated very clearly that not only did our programs not increase sexual behaviors, but that a substantial percentage of theses comprehensive education programs significantly decreased one or more types of sexual behavior” (154). He is confirming that programs teaching abstinence and safe sex bring favorable results when kids are provided accurate and current information.

Students are eager to increase their knowledge involving sex, reproduction, human anatomy, contraception and marriage. Educators do not force kids to take sex education programs or classes. Attending and participation is voluntary and most students enjoy them. As a matter of fact, when students advise parents of the program and information obtained, parents tend to give good feedback, think the program is a wonderful idea, and insist that all students should have the information before leaving school (Michener 212). Having parents involved allow students to be comfortable enough to talk to them and show them that they know things beyond casual sex.

Sex education is more than just learning about basic sex. Kids must understand the consequences they could suffer participating in unprotected sex. They should also understand the meaning of not engaging in it until they are absolutely ready which includes being educated on all aspects of sex. Schools can cover all the important information needed. Parents tend to miss out on information that is fundamental or fail to properly teach their children. This is why educators or professionals should teach sex education. Students can step out of their comfort zones and not be judged for their lack of knowledge. They can participate in hands- on activities with their peers that are fun and educational at the same time. More importantly, parents can also increase their sex education knowledge and obtain guidance on talking with their children about sex. It is imperative sex education be taught in schools, unless parents have been properly educated and have positive attitudes about providing sex education at home.