Is Sex Education Important in Schools

Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code/Title Instructor Date Is Sex Education Important in Schools Sex education in schools is an issue that has raised diverse debates, with those who support or oppose this education program presenting divergent views. Proponents of comprehensive sex education argue that the policy should be implemented in all school systems, and they should not be based on abstinence programs alone (LeBrun and Omar 1). When this form of sex education is implemented throughout the life of an adolescent, it would develop a deeper understanding of sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sexual identities, and issues related to pregnancy. Conversely, those who are against sex education argue that the program in the current public school system has failed to educate learners about sex and sexuality in an efficient manner (Barth 701). This is because the rates of STIs and unwanted pregnancies continue to increase, particularly among teenagers. This paper examines the importance of sex education in schools and if learning institutions should develop comprehensive programs to teach students issues associated with sex and sexuality. Sex education is essential since it improves knowledge of the risks involved in participating in risky sexual behaviors. It also enables students to understand their sexuality and the actions they should take when exposed to risky situations (Silva 1). Therefore, for teenage sexual behaviors to be changed, there is a need for schools and the entire society to move from sexuality education programs that insist on abstinence alone. Sex education in high school should encompass abstinence as one of the topics, but more essential topics are needed to ensure that students understand their sexuality. According to the Morbidity and Mortality World Report (MMWR), approximately 46 percent of learners in grades 9 to 12 have had sex between 2008 and 2010, ...