Were you ever taught sex education in school? Sex education is the teaching and understanding of topics that have to do with sex and sexual orientation. It is the understanding for kids K-12 to learn about puberty, human anatomy, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, consent, pregnancy, drugs, birth control, and the list goes on. Sexual education should be a required class at every school, not just a day.
Teaching sexual education is beneficial in more ways than one, the main goal is to teach teens about sexual health “They learn how to have healthy relationships, make informed decisions about sex, think critically about the world, be a good ally to those who are marginalized, and love themselves for who they are”. Young people get taught about consent and the issues that could occur from having sex. It is extremely important that growing kids learn about their body and how to respect others. Not all children are fortunate enough to learn about puberty or sex from a parent.
Every single school whether it’s elementary, middle, or high school should be teaching sex ed. Every school includes the schools in lower income communities, there is a real issue with low income schools not providing sex education and the reason is the lack of funding. “While sex education is mandated statewide, it is reported that more rural and low-income communities continue to lack support in implementing curriculum.” Students that live in low income areas may not have the resources to learn about sex education but it is crucial because low income communities have a higher teen pregnancy rate. “Other sources, like the CDC, say things like poor education, few opportunities for “positive youth involvement,” and being in the child welfare system all increase a teen’s risk of pregnancy.” All teens should have the right to learn about their bodies and the effects that can occur if they are not practicing safe sex.
In conclusion, all students should have the right to learn about sex. It is extremely important not only for lower income communities but for all. Sex education isn’t just about sex, it is about learning consent, teaching young girls about their periods, human anatomy, and so much more. Sex education teaches growing kids and teens things they would most likely not learn at home. Sex education should be a required class at every school in America.
Work Cited
“California State Profile.” SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, https://siecus.org/stateprofiles/california-state-profile-23/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20advocates%20report%20implementation%20of,for%20young%20people%20in%20California.
“What Is Sex Education?” Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators/what-sex-education.
“Why Are Low-Income Teens More Likely to Get Pregnant?” CNY Central, Nexstar Media Inc., 11 Jan. 2019, https://cnycentral.com/sponsored/spotlight/why-are-low-income-teens-more-likely-to-get-pregnant.