There is no question that comprehensive sex education is a hot-button issue in American schools. Who’s responsible for teaching America’s youth about sex? Parents? Teachers? Regardless, one thing is certain, education leads to healthier decision making among teens.
The Center for Disease Control released its 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey this month, which questions high school-aged youth every two years on their health behaviors, including sexual health behaviors. There has been much improvement in sexual health among teens, including increases of condom use among sexually active teens, but there has also been a decline in aspects regarding sexual education.
Since 2009, the percentage of teens that claim they were taught about HIV or AIDS in schools declined by 3 percent. This declination could be solved by comprehensive sexual education in schools, informing young adults on how to make their own decisions correctly by being appropriately informed. Being educated about these issues will facilitate teens to stay safe and healthy, and spread the word to other teens on being safe as well!
Family Planning Advocates of New York State continues to work with the Governor, state Legislature and the State Education Department to advance the availability of comprehensive sex education for all students.
For information for both teens and parents, visit the links below.
