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Sex Education for the Real World
by Stefanie Sanden, RN, BSN
| In the United States, over sixty percent of high school seniors have had sexual intercourse. Yet many of these sexually active students still believe myths they have heard about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unfortunately, many programs provide teens with an incomplete sex education, or with an abstinence-only approach that leaves teens to seek factual information from peers or other unreliable sources. One in four STDs occurs in teens and thirty-four percent of females will become pregnant before they reach twenty years of age. A comprehensive approach to sex education significantly increases the correct and consistent use of contraception and STD protection in adolescents who become sexually active. In addition, education can actually delay teens becoming sexually active by providing them with clear messages about sexual behavior, addressing peer pressure and helping them develop their communication skills, so they can say no when they aren't ready for sex. Although abstinence is always emphasized as the only sure way of preventing pregnancy, STDs and the emotional consequences of sexual activity, teens are more prepared and confident when they receive medically accurate information. |
Teens often tell health care providers that they did not use contraception or STD protection because they were unaware of their options, were informed too late or were given false information. Those who did not know how to use a condom correctly or were told that condoms are ineffective were more likely to experience condom failure, and they were also less likely to even use a condom at the time of first intercourse. A good education program tells teens of the effectiveness and limitations of condoms. Sexually active teens who do not use any form of contraception have an eighty-five percent chance of becoming pregnant within the first year. Though the national teen pregnancy rate has declined in recent years, the United States still has a higher rate of teen pregnancy than any other industrialized nation. The consequences of early childbearing - dropping out of school, higher rates of poverty and increased risks of medical complications for the teen mom and her infant - impact not only the teen but also all of society. And the financial cost is staggering - over 7 billion dollars per year. [statistics taken from the CDC, WHO, and the Nat'l Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2003-2004]. |
Parents have a large influence, even greater than peers, on teens' sexual behavior. Because parents are often uncomfortable communicating with teens about reproductive health and sex, they may delay the conversations until too late. Parents, consider the evidence that knowledge is power, that your teens deserve the facts. Correct and timely information will enable your teens to make wise decisions and to protect their health and futures. |
A comprehensive program, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP), is being offered by the Humanist Action League (HAL). Taught by trained facilitators, the PREP course is taught according to the National Campaign to Prevent Pregnancy findings for Effective Curriculum-based Programs. The classes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m., May 30 - June 27, 2006. Location is the Gil Foundation Community Room, 315 E. Costilla. Cost for this 16-hour program is $50/participant, and space is limited. Phone for more information at 719.630.2131…leave your number and we will return your call. |
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