Sex Education

Simple Sex Education is Not Enough

Sex education is a very controversial topic. People across the country are arguing if schools should teach teenagers about sex or if they should rather preach abstinence. However, while this never-ending discussion is going on, one thing has become obvious: the people seem to have different ways of defining what sex education actually means. This raises the question, if the same people could agree on the meaning of the term, would they stop arguing? Sex education is simply teaching teenagers about sex. This includes the technical terms of sex, consequences of being sexually active, as well as increasing the awareness of the big responsibility that comes with sex.

Teaching always involves starting with the basics. Therefore, the first step of sex education should be clarifying what teenagers consider being sexually active. It is important to explain that sex is not just intercourse; it means being involved in any other sexual activity. Furthermore, sex-related terms like “orgasm” should be discussed. Knowing those basics is essential in order for young people to understand the next step of sex education: the big responsibility that comes with sex.

Learning to be responsible about sex is essential for teenagers. Therefore sex education should point out that besides the pleasurable effects, sex also involves consequences. One of those consequences, pregnancy, is a big concern in the United States. Sex education teachers should discuss different methods of birth control. However, what’s more important is to teach students how to properly use birth control (e.g. showing the correct use of a condom).

Even though parents, schools and churches seem to be concerned about teenage pregnancy the most, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) are also a major issue that should not be left out in sex education. Teachers should educate on how diseases can be transmitted, but also about ways to safely perform sex....