Blog # 4

Should sex education be taught in the nation’s public schools, and if so, what kind of education should be provided? (Abstinence-only? Abstinence-plus?)

Millions of people die each year from Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases are spreading rapidly among the teens and young generations due to a lack of appropriate sex education. There is no doubt that these diseases could be controlled if we provide a good sex education to our people, especially youth. I am positive about implying sex education throughout our nation's public schools and making our young generations beware of sexually transmitted diseases. However, today's main concern and dilemma is what kind of education should we imply? and whether it is Abstinence -only or Abstinence- plus? Being abstain from sexual activities could bring out some serious consequences among young people. So, i don't think abstinence- only will work out to stop youth from being involved in unsafe sex practice. However, in my opinion the idea of using abstinence-plus could be a beneficial for all of us and especially to youth as it focuses on both aspects of sex education i.e., preventive aspects by using contraceptives and discouraging youth being involve in sexual activities before marriage or before they become capable of making right decisions. This abstinence-plus education will teach youth how to avoid unsafe sexual activities and also give them a good knowledge about the contraceptives. But, both techniques have pros and cons and what i think is, it really doesn't matter which approach we take as long as it is associated with the prevention of STD s but one thing for sure is that if we provide a good sex education in our schools i.e., to youth then they will definitely imply the same education in their future and practice the same safe sex methods including use of contraceptives.