This class once again encourages abstinence but also states the statistic that 50% of all teens are sexually active. As parents we teach and guide, but ultimately children make their own choices as they become more independent. Education about STI’s and birth control, how they work and do not work, including myths and misconceptions, is an important part of sex education before children are dating. This topic, along with the detriments of pornography fall under the mantra, “Better too young, than too late.” If birth control is explained in a matter-of-fact way as part of sex ed curriculum, it will not come across as giving permission for behavior a parent may not support, but instead can be presented in the same manner as intercourse.
The goal of this class is to encourage open dialogue and educate our youth to end misinformation which can lead to “if only I had known”. If one child is saved from an STI, unplanned pregnancy, abortion or suicide, it will be worth it. Education doesn’t guarantee prevention, but it does create opportunities for ongoing conversations.
Data states:
- Teens with a religious influence have a higher rate of teen pregnancy, most likely as a result of a lack of education and guilt surrounding use of birth control. It ends up “just happening”
- Pregnant teens are 7 times more likely to commit suicide!
- Nearly half of teens get pregnant in the first 6 months of being sexually active!
- 7 out of 10 pregnant teens are Caucasian