Sex education teaches our children about what sex is,what comes from sex (ie pregnancy and STDs), and how to safely have sex. Some schools even go so far as to offer free condoms. I think this one of the best things public schools have to offer our teens.
I also am a firm believer that children should be taught about sex at home and before they are teens, but unfortunately this doesn't happen in a lot of homes. Children NEED, I cannot stress the need enough, to be educated about safe sex and the dangers of sex. If they are not what's to stop them from having unprotected sex?
Parents that are against sex education have to ask themselves if they would rather their child come home with a condom and some factual information that they may or may not use, or come home with AIDS or a baby.
We must not live in denial that many teens are either having or thinking about having sex. If we deny this fact we put our most precious possession in harms way. I personally would hate to think that my daughter will have sex as a teen, but I also understand that it happens and it is their choice to make, not ours. Therefore, if she does make the decision to have sex I want her wearing the armor of information, and a condom.
I think that on top of sex education, we as parents should reinforce this information to our children and do it early and frequently. One talk is not enough. Children need to know that sex is not a dirty thing, and although it should wait until they are adults, they can openly talk to their parents about it should they ever have questions or need advise.
Remember, knowledge is power.
Learn more about this author, Sara Tremeear.
Xposted to Manik, Sara Roxx and The Wisconsin Blog
