This essay reveals the main issues related to sex education that is being lectured for young generation in high schools. It highlights the array of topics included into the program, and the impact of the programs based on the researches and surveys conducted among young people after the lectures they listened to about sexual education.
Introduction
Sexual activity of teenagers is a matter of a serious concern today, which is why many high schools have implemented a comprehensive sexual education subject to somehow delay the initiation of sexual activity. Since the school is in the regular contact with teenagers, it can have an impact on young people, sex Ed behaviour seems to be an effective way to provide young people with knowledge that will allow them to take proper decisions based on the information they can be provided at the lectures.
What does comprehensive sex education really mean?
Frequently “sex ed” is mistakenly interpreted by lots of people, who believe that it is related to exceptionally narrow behavior such as sexual intercourse. In fact, this topic includes an array of information that refers to the question of sexuality. It covers relationships between individuals of the opposite sex, ways to prevent the sexually transmitted diseases and infections, knowledge of sexual anatomy and physiology, health, behavior, body image, pregnancy, and many more.
The purpose pursued by sexual education in high schools is to inform growing up generation about everything they need to know before starting living sexual life. Here is why a school becomes responsible for addressing all the issues that are included by sex ed to the students. Even though, there many pro and cons as for the sexual education that is taught in high schools.
Effectiveness of sexual education in high schools
Today, about 22 states and the District of Columbia have implemented both sex and HIV education, which is a decent indicator that sexual education is welcomed in high schools. The numerous researches revealed a positive impact of sex education with HIV prevention programs on behaviors of young people and their health in general. This way, it reduced the frequency of early sexual relationships, the initiation of sex and occasions of unprotected sex. Sexually active participants confessed they had started using contraception regularly, which reduces the sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
The program of the sexual education is also supported by the most part of Americans as it promotes abstinence and helps young people protect themselves when they become sexually active. It was found by the Kennedy School of Government that over 90% of parents of those children who attend middle and high schools are very happy that their children have sexual education as part of their school curriculum. A majority of voters of such demographic categories as Democrats, and independents along with Catholics and evangelical Christians find sex education helpful as well.
Conclusion
Sexual education in high school is a truly important subject, which is proved by both students and their parents. It has a positive impact on the lives of students and helps them realize their actions and behaviour before they start sexual life and prevent from mistakes.