With the new outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases and the fact that sexually active persons are becoming younger, sex has now become a daily topic. Sex scandals in the media and talk such as 'who slept with who at last night's party' are making these daily conversations apparent in high schools, middle schools, and in a lot of cases grade schools. As the saying goes 'monkey see monkey do' one can only assume that this concept will pertain to these easily influenced children. That is why it is imperative that another side of this issue is presented on a regular basis, a side that demonstrates safe sex as well as no sex. Sex is a basic instinct in all-living beings; sex education in public schools should encourage abstinence because it is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and disease, but not dismiss protective measures for those who become sexually active, because no matter much you emphasize abstinence, there will always be those who choose to participate in sexual activity. It should be the responsibility of our schools to protect them from these dangers because it is imperative that they are aware and make the right decisions.
Because sex is so prevalent in our society today, the issue must be addressed instead of merely ignored. Children approaching adulthood and reaching the age were they must make decisions about their sexuality need to be aware of the repercussions that might go along with the decisions they choose. Public schools should strongly consider teaching a program to their students that encourages them to remain abstinent but also teaches them about ways they can protect themselves if they choose to become sexually active. Sex education is a class that provides students an opportunity to ask questions and obtain true facts, without the embarrassment of confronting their own parents. Whereas the public only flaunts the good side of sex, sex education exposes the risks