Abstinence-Only Education Should Not Be The Only Form Of Sex Education

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In the United States nearly 50% of teenagers will have had vaginal sex by the age of 17. Public schools need to get past the age of scary 80s style sex education videos featuring the horrors of teenage pregnancy and STDs. They are outdated, and teenagers will ignore the messages. Messages presented in the current media can often give misleading information. TV shows, movies, and the internet are not a proper place for teenagers to go to seek information being withheld from them. It is time to enhance sexual education programs and give the facts to today’s youth. Abstinence-only education should not be the only form of sex education given to teens. There is no evidence that proves this is impactful on a teenager’s decision to have sex. Abstinence is the best way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs. However, this instruction leaves out the kids who are already sexually active. If options about Plan-B, birth control, getting access to medical help, and sexuality are not being taught then teenagers are forced to go to media sources to get unreliable information. A 2016 ABC News article states, “Since 1998 the government has appropriated $50 million per year to states to support programs that teach that ‘physical and emotional harm’ are likely to result from …show more content…

adults say they would rather have a more balanced approach. Teenagers who don’t learn the proper use of contraceptives put themselves at a greater risk for pregnancy and STDs. It is better to be safe than sorry in any case, but especially in one where the future of the teenager is at risk. Americans well know of the damage teenage pregnancy can bring to a young man or woman. Many young parents will not graduate high school, apply to college, or marry the child’s other biological parent. This can cause expensive child support payments, welfare, and other government aid to be needed. Luckily, a lot of this can be prevented if a comprehensive sex education is provided to