The Importance of Sex Education
by: Andrew Vuong
Sex Education in Texas
Dropping Out
Although the national percentage of teen pregnancies have significantly dropped since the '90s, Texas is still among the top 5 states with the highest rates, about 35,063 in 2014. In my high school, teen pregnancy was one of the main reasons students dropped out. The lack of preventive school programs and community support lead many of these young girls to quit. I have had many discussions with my high school friends about the proper use of contraception and the consequences of sex because of their significant lack of knowledge. I have sat with and comforted many distressed friends as we waited for their pregnancy tests. The lack of an actual sex education program leaves students ignorant of the facts. It allows students to mistake consensual sex with nonconsensual sex. It closes any discussion with family members during a confusing time. It shames and humiliates students because of their burgeoning sexuality. The state of Texas' sex education program is failing its students, by not implementing any program to assist teen mothers or educating them at all on sexuality, students are left to fend on their own as they get older.
Comprehensive Sex Education
Assistance Programs
With the implementation of various assistance programs and a comprehensive sex education, we can lead the country into the future with a healthy mentality that sexuality is not something you should be ashamed of, creating intelligent and healthy citizens.
Resources
Sex Education in Texas: SecularTexas.org
Abstinence image: Flickr
Condom image: Pixabay
"Safe Sex" image: Pixabay