A formal sex education is necessary to keep teens properly informed of their reproductive health and the risks involved in engaging in pre-marital sex. Unfortunately, new reports suggest that formal sex education is experiencing a downturn in the U.S.
Surveys About Sex Education
A group of researchers examined the surveys taken between 2006 and 2010 and between 2011 and 2013. The analysis included responses from about 2,000 teen boys and 1,000 teen girls. It also included questions whether they received formal sex education at school, church, or in the community before they turned 18 years old.
The sex education topics in the survey included birth control methods, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS prevention and saying no to sex. The second wave surveyed the teens' knowledge on where to get birth control and how to use a condom, the Huffington Post reported.
Lesser Students Receive Formal Sex Education
The study found out that there's a decline in the formal instruction of sex education. Also, fewer teens receive formal sex education per Yubanet. For instance, young women who received formal instruction to saying no to sex at all were down from 89 percent to 82 percent.
On the other hand, those who were taught to say no to sex before engaging in it was down from 78 percent to 70 percent. The proportion of young women who received formal sex education about STD dropped by four percent.
Meanwhile, those who received formal education about HIV/AIDS also declined by three percent. The Huffington Post also noted that in 1995, over four or five teens were taught about birth control, although the data shows that only half received the same knowledge.
Parents Must Bridge The Gap
"Too many teens are falling through the gaps, without instruction from parents or formal settings," said Laura Duberstein Lindberg, lead study author. "Too few teens receive sex education before they first have sex."
Linberg is encouraging parents to help their children learn about sex, sexuality and normal healthy development. They can also find other sources of sex education for their children. For instance, they can work with their child's school and pediatrician to ensure that their child has access to the education that they need and deserve.
Do you agree that parents should also discuss this matter with their children openly? How do you discuss this topic with your children? Share your tips in the comment section below.
