Comprehensive Sex Education Research Paper

Much has changed since the 1960s. Fashion, technology, civil rights, and social standards have greatly transformed into something entirely different. However, battles over comprehensive sex education and abstinence-only sex education have continued on over the years. Although it is a controversial subject, comprehensive sex education is more beneficial than abstinence-only education. Even though abstinence-only sex education teaches teens the definitive way to avoid pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, comprehensive sex education is a better alternative because teens must learn how to practice safe sex if they do not choose abstinence. Over half of high school students engage in sexual activity, which is why it is important that comprehensive sex education programs inform the students (Schwarz 111). Keeping teens updated on contraceptives will help the students to make informed decisions. Educators “should [not] hold back information that can save lives and prevent unwanted pregnancies” (LeClair 292). Teaching the information to high-schoolers instead of avoiding it will help them in the long run to make healthy decisions. About 850,000 female teens get pregnant per year and 77% of
Teens often feel less comfortable speaking with parents or guardians about sex than with teachers at school. The same case applies to parents who would rather have an educator teach their child about sex education. Half of all teens feel awkward speaking to their parents about sex. About 19% of parents do not feel fully comfortable having conversations with their children about sex education (Schwarz 115). Comprehensive sex programs make every student in the program feel accepted. They “do not ostracize teens who have non-traditional families” (Schwarz 131). Instead, the teachers make each student feel comfortable and able to speak