Public support for comprehensive sexuality education.When it comes to sexuality education, we often seem like a nation divided. Reading newspapers or listening to school board debates, one might think that adults cannot decide whether schools should provide comprehensive education about sexuality or take a strict abstinence-only-until-marriage approach. In fact, when asked, the vast majority of American adults, including parents and voters, supports comprehensive sexuality education, disapproves of the government's investment in abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and rejects popular myths that suggest teaching about sexuality encourages teens to be sexually active. Nevertheless, the government currently spends nearly $138 million per year for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, in direct contradiction CONTRADICTION. The incompatibility, contrariety, and evident opposition of two ideas, which are the subject of one and the same proposition. 2. In general, when a party accused of a crime contradicts himself, it is presumed he does so because he is guilty for to public opinion. This fact sheet compiles the results of numerous national and statewide surveys, all of which show overwhelming support for a comprehensive approach to sexuality education. SIECUS SIECUS Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States hopes that this fact sheet will help advocates in their efforts to ensure that public policies keep pace with the desires of the American people An American people may be:
SCHOOL-BASED SEXUALITY EDUCATION Parents and other adults overwhelmingly support making sexuality education part of junior high and high school curricula. In addition, many parents believe that sexuality education can help young people make responsible decisions about sexual behavior sexual behavior A person's sexual practices–ie, whether he/she engages in heterosexual or homosexual activity. See Sex life, Sexual life. and sexual health. * 93% of parents of junior high school students and 91% of parents of high school students believe it is very or some-what important to have sexuality education as part of the school curriculum. In contrast, only 4% of parents of junior high school students and 6% of parents of high school students believe sexuality education should not be taught in school. (1) * 92% of parents of junior high school students and 93% of parents of high school students whose child has had, or is currently in, sexuality education believe that this class will be very or somewhat helpful to their child. (2) * 77% of parents of junior high school students and 72% of parents of high school students believe that sexuality education is very or somewhat effective in helping teens avoid HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and other sexually transmitted diseases Sexually transmitted diseases Infections that are acquired and transmitted by sexual contact. Although virtually any infection may be transmitted during intimate contact, the term sexually transmitted disease is restricted to conditions that are largely ; 73% of parents of junior high school students and 66% of parents of high school students believe it is very or somewhat effective in helping teens to avoid pregnancy; and 71% of parents of junior high school students and 68% of parents of high school students believe it is very or somewhat effective in helping teens make responsible decisions about sex. (3) * 88% of parents of junior high school students and 80% of parents of high school students believe that sexuality education in school makes it easier for them to talk to their children about sexuality issues. (4) A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS In recent years many schools have restricted the topics that are covered in sexuality education either because of an ongoing community controversy or the fear that one might erupt. The truth is, however, that the majority of parents wants sexuality education to cover a wide range of topics. In fact, most parents believe that it is appropriate to teach students about many subjects that are considered controversial, including abortion, masturbation masturbation Erotic stimulation of one's own genital organs, usually to achieve orgasm. Masturbatory behavior is common in infants and adolescents, and is indulged in by many adults as well. Studies indicate that over 90% of U.S. males and 60–80% of U.S. , and sexual orientation sexual orientation n. The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes, especially a direction seen to be dictated by physiologic rather than sociologic forces. . Not surprisingly, given the reality they face, young people also want sexuality education to cover many topics. * 100% of parents of junior high school students and 98% of parents of high school students believe sexually transmitted diseases are an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (5) * 100% of parents of junior high school students and 99% of parents of high school students believe HIV/AIDS is an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (6) * 99% of parents of junior high school students and 97% of parents of high school students believe basic information about how babies are made, pregnancy, and birth are appropriate topics for sexuality education programs in schools. (7) * 95% of parents of junior high school students and 93% of parents of high school students believe that birth control and other methods of preventing pregnancy are appropriate topics for sexuality education programs in schools. (8) * 91% of parents of junior high school students and 83% of parents of high school students believe abortion is an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (9) * 88% of parents of junior high school students and 85% of parents of high school students believe information on how to use and where to get contraceptives is an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (10) * 83% of parents of junior high school students and 79% of parents of high school students believe information on how to put on a condom 1. condom - The protective plastic bag that accompanies 3.5-inch microfloppy diskettes. Rarely, also used of (paper) disk envelopes. Unlike the write protect tab, the condom (when left on) not only impedes the practice of SEX but has also been shown to have a high failure is an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (11) * 81% of parents of junior high school students and 76% of parents of high school students believe masturbation is an appropriate topic for sexuality education programs in schools. (12) * 80% of parents of junior high school students and 73% of parents of high school students believe homosexuality and sexual orientation are appropriate topics for sexuality education programs in schools. (13) * 82% of adolescents ages 15 to 17 and 75% of young adults ages 18 to 24 want more information on a variety of sexual health topics such as "how to protect yourself from HIV/AIDS and other STDs," "the different types of birth control that are available," "how to bring up sexual health issues such as STDs and birth control with a partner," and "how to deal with pressure to have sex." (14) THE POLITICS OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION Sexuality education is becoming ever more political, with the federal government supporting strict abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, states debating how to address sexuality in their schools, and communities bracing bracing, n a resistance to the horizontal components of masticatory force. for controversy. Most people, however, do not support current policies that favor abstinence-only-until-marriage programs and funding. In addition, parents reject many of the myths about sexuality education that have been used to remove programs and restrict topics. * Only 30% of American adults agree with the statement "the federal government should fund sex education programs that have 'abstaining from sexual activity' as their only purpose." In contrast, 67% of adults agree with the statement "the money should be used to fund more comprehensive sex education programs that include information on how to obtain and use condoms and other contraceptives." (15) * 90% of the engaged, voting public believe all students should receive age-appropriate, medically accurate sexuality education that begins early and continues through high school. (16) * 66% of registered voters are in favor of a proposal to increase efforts to provide age-appropriate sexuality education in public elementary schools elementary school: see school. . (17) * 63% of voters would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports comprehensive sexuality education. (18) * Only 10 percent of engaged voters support abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in public schools. (19) * Only 28% of American adults agree that "providing information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception contraception: see birth control. contraception Birth control by prevention of conception or impregnation. The most common method is sterilization. The most effective temporary methods are nearly 99% effective if used consistently and correctly. might encourage teens to have sexual intercourse sexual intercourse or coitus or copulation Act in which the male reproductive organ enters the female reproductive tract (see reproductive system). ." In contrast, 65% of adults believe that "not providing information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception might mean more teens will have unsafe sexual intercourse." (20) STATE SURVEYS Support for sexuality education exists across the country. Mirroring national surveys, numerous state surveys show that adults from California to New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of and Connecticut to Minnesota support providing young people with comprehensive school-based sexuality education, disapprove dis·ap·prove v. dis·ap·proved, dis·ap·prov·ing, dis·ap·proves v.tr. 1. To have an unfavorable opinion of; condemn. 2. To refuse to approve; reject. v.intr. of funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and reject myths about sexuality education. CALIFORNIA * 93% of adults in California believe sexually active teens should be encouraged, in school-based sexuality education, to use protection and to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. (21) * 84% of adults believe young people should receive specific instruction about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. (22) * In 93% of California's public schools, no more than 5% of families remove their children from these sexuality education classes even though they have a right to do so. (23) CONNECTICUT * 94% of adults in Connecticut agree that, "in the era of AIDS, young people need the information and skills from sex education to protect their health and lives." (24) * 93% of adults in Connecticut agree that "whether or not young people are sexually active, they should receive sex education so they have the information to make responsible choices." (25) * 91% of adults in Connecticut support sexuality education in high school and 79% support sexuality education in junior high school. (26) * 83% of adults in Connecticut reject the claim that "sex education only encourages young people to have sex." (27) * 73% of adults in Connecticut reject the claim that "giving young people information about abstinence abstinence: see fasting; temperance movements. and birth control in school sends a mixed message and encourages young people to have intercourse Verb 1. have intercourse - have sexual intercourse with; "This student sleeps with everyone in her dorm"; "Adam knew Eve"; "Were you ever intimate with this man?" ." (28) * 59% of Connecticut residents oppose current policies that provide funds solely for abstinence-only-until-marriage education and prohibits teaching of condoms or other contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and disease. (29) MINNESOTA * 91% of Minnesotans support teaching sexuality education in high school and 84% support teaching sexuality education in junior high school. (30) * 90% of Minnesotans agree with the statement "whether or not young people are sexually active, they should receive sex education, so that they have the information to make responsible choices." (31) * 80% of Minnesotans reject the claim that "sex education only encourages young people to have sex." (32) * 67% of Minnesotans reject the claim that "giving young people information about abstinence and birth control in school sends a mixed message and encourages young people to have intercourse." (33) * 59% of Minnesotans oppose current policies that provide funds solely for abstinence-only-until-marriage education and prohibits teaching of condoms or other contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and disease. (34) SOUTH CAROLINA South Carolina, state of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Facts and Figures Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km). Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15. * 81% of South Carolina registered voters think that sex education in public schools should contain information on both abstinence and contraception. (35) * 7 out of 10 South Carolina registered voters believe that "comprehensive sex education in the schools decreases rates of pregnancy and disease." (36) * 93% of South Carolina registered voters support instruction on sexually transmitted diseases, 86% support instruction in physical/social growth changes, 85% support instruction in reproductive anatomy anatomy (ənăt`əmē), branch of biology concerned with the study of body structure of various organisms, including humans. Comparative anatomy is concerned with the structural differences of plant and animal forms. , and 82% support instruction in contraception. (37) * Only 1 in 10 South Carolina registered voters feels that sex education should not be taught in the state's public school. (38) References 1. Sex Education in America (Washington, DC: National Public Radio, Henry J. Kaiser Henry John Kaiser (May 9, 1882—August 24, 1967) was an American industrialist who became known as the father of modern American shipbuilding. Early life Beginning as a cashier in a dry-goods shop in Utica, New York, Kaiser moved many times as he pursued the Family Foundation, and Kennedy School of Government, 2004), p. 5. 2. Sex Education in America, p. 28. 3. Sex Education in America, p. 6. 4. Sex Education in America, p. 28 5. Sex Education in America, p. 9 6. Ibid. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Sex Education in America, p. 11. 10. Ibid. 11. Ibid. 12. Ibid. 13. Sex Education in America, p. 12. 14. T. Hoff, et al., National Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults: Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences (Menlo Park Menlo Park. 1 Residential city (1990 pop. 28,040), San Mateo co., W Calif.; inc. 1874. Electronic equipment and aerospace products are manufactured in the city. Menlo College and a Stanford Univ. research institute are there. 2 Uninc. , CA: Henry Kaiser Henry Kaiser may refer to:
15. Sex Education in America, p. 7. 16. Mobilizing mobilizing, v 1. freeing or making loose and able to move. 2. observing any ongoing movements in a client's body, whether small or large, assisted or not, that identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as the client's physical and Support for Sex Education: New Messages and Techniques (New York: The Othmer Institute of Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood A service mark used for an organization that provides family planning services. of NYC NYC abbr. New York City NYC New York City , 2002.) 17. Ibid. 18. Ibid. 19. Ibid. 20. Sex Education in America, p. 22. 21. Get Real About Teen Pregnancy! Findings in Brief: A Look at California's Views on Teen Pregnancy (San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden : The Field Institute, 1999). 22. Ibid. 23. Sex Education in California The California education system consists of a full range of public and private schools in California, from the University of California system, to well-known private colleges, to an extensive network of secondary and primary education schools. Public Schools: Are Students Learning What They Need to Know? (San Francisco: ACLU ACLU: see American Civil Liberties Union. of Northern California Northern California, sometimes referred to as NorCal, is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The region contains the San Francisco Bay Area, the state capital, Sacramento; as well as the substantial natural beauty of the redwood forests, the northern , 2003). 24. Connecticut Sexuality Education Survey: Survey Among Connecticut Residents (Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2004), p. 1. 25. Ibid. 26. Ibid. 27. Connecticut Sexuality Education Survey, p. 2. 28. Ibid. 29. Connecticut Sexuality Education Survey, p. 3. 30. What Parents Want: Sex-Ed Survey (St. Paul St. Paul as a missionary he fearlessly confronts the “perils of waters, of robbers, in the city, in the wilderness.” [N.T.: II Cor. 11:26] See : Bravery : Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy adolescent pregnancy See Teenage pregnancy. , Parenting, and Prevention, 2001). 31. Ibid. 32. Ibid. 33. Ibid. 34. Ibid. 35. F. Alton, South Carolina Speaks 2004 (Columbia, SC: South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2004). 36. Ibid. 37. Ibid. 38. Ibid. |
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