What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Sex Education at School?
The teaching of sex education in schools has become a hot topic across the United States. There are vocal proponents on both sides of the argument each making some valid points, but neither have been able to convince any major change on either side. The major problem here is the distinction between what the school should teach students and what parents should teach their children.
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Religious Views
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Many parts of America feature very strong religious communities that have a substantial say in many areas of local life, including on the state boards of education. As a rule, religious groups oppose the teaching of sex education in schools as they believe it encourages children to have sex before they are ready. The viewpoint is if values were taught in school teenagers would wait until they are mature enough to settle down before engaging in sexual activity.
Social Views
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The social views on this issue come from a very similar standpoint to those of religious people. In this case the standpoint is that schools should not get to choose when children are educated about sex, it should be left for parents to decide to tell children about it.
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Reduction in Pregnancy
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The teenage pregnancy rate in America has been a constant problem since the late 1980s. The view of many pro-sex education advocates is that teaching children about sex encourages safe sex. This is often followed up with the ever-popular idea of handing out condoms in schools. This idea has some scientific merit, as teen pregnancies have been reduced since sex education became mandatory in schools.
Reduction in STIs
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Along with reducing teen pregnancy there is also a hope educating children about safe sex will reduce the spread of sexual transmitted infections such as chlamydia, syphilis and AIDS. Advocates of sex education see this going hand-in-hand with teachers educating students about the dangers of drinking, smoking and drugs.
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References
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