STAFF EDITORIAL: SEXUAL EDUCATION
the importance of sex ed Comprehensive sexual education ensures students are well-informed about sex
P
arents may find solace in the fact that they’ve given their children enough knowledge and advice to live their high school lives sex-free. Perhaps if they haven’t spoken to their children about sex, they rely on schools to teach their children what they need to know. But regardless of how confident parents are that their perfect little babies wouldn’t even begin to think about sex until well into adulthood, this fact still remains: some teenagers will end up making the choice to have a sexual relationship. And if they don’t have the knowledge or resources to do so safely, there are many negative consequences they may have to face. So with that in mind, the most intelligent course of action is to educate teenagers about the true importance of keeping their bodies safe and of each and every contraceptive option available to them. Of course, some teenagers choose to remain abstinent, which is protection from pregnancy and STDs in itself. However, in order to protect young adults who take a different route, it is essential for them to know every single one of their options for contraception and protection.
Condoms
IUD
-85 percent effective with typical use
- over 99 percent effective, lasts -12 years
source: plannedparenthood.org
Often, high schools rely on abstinence-first or even abstinence-only sexual education. According to Planned Parenthood, 37 states have legislation requiring that sex education includes abstinence, while only 18 sates require schools to include information about contraception. While abstinence is completely effective in theory, it may be ineffective in reality. An adolescent could intend to remain abstinent, but might change their mind under a set of circumstances they didn’t anticipate. With this in mind, they must be prepared for any situation they may encounter. If they’re not taught about proper forms of contraception and protection, they may run into issues such as pregnancy and STDs. In order to guarantee that students are well-informed in the decisions they make about sex, it is imperative that schools teach about the contraceptive options that are available to them. Within the Francis Howell School District, administrators have often tried their hardest to ensure that sexual education is factual and effective. For example, when it was discovered in 2017 that Thrive, an organization used by FHSD
Contraceptive Options
to supplement middle school sex education, was faith-based, the district made the decision to discontinue its use of the program. While this was a step towards ensuring students receive comprehensive sexual education, there is still work to be done. In-depth, inclusive and nonshameful teaching are essential in making sure students have the information they need to make wise decisions regarding sex. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, comprehensive sex ed may reduce rates of sexual activity, STDs, adolescent pregnancy and sexual risk behaviors. Straightforward, uncomplicated information is the best way to ensure that adolescents are wellinformed about sex, so schools must begin or continue educating their students about all types of protection; protection from pregnancy and STDs in heterosexual relationships is imperative, but protection from STDs in non-heterosexual relationships is just as important. In order to mentally and physically protect teenagers, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, it is essential that steps are made to educate them correctly.
The Implant
Depo Shot
The Patch
-over 99 percent effective, lasts 4 years
-over 99 percent effective, lasts 3 months
-91 percent effective, must be changed every week
VOICE
Birth Control Pills
-91 percent effective, must be taken every day
Page by Kayla Reyes
31
