Modernization of Sex Education

The United States has adopted the idea that sexuality is a taboo subject not to be

discussed and from which our children must be protected. Vital information regarding sex

education is withheld from huge populations, such as teenagers, in an effort to reduce the number

of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and promiscuous members of society.

An unofficial ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy is silently enforced between children and the people

they look to for knowledge. When children do receive the information they need, it is oftentimes

not from a source they can trust, such as a parent, and more often than not, filled with incorrect

or incomplete information. This information, or lack-thereof, is intended to maintain social order

and gender boundaries, and may be presented in the form of abstinence-only education. In

theory, an abstinence-only education should always result in an abstinence-only lifestyle.

However, this has not been the case due to societal double-standards of sexuality as seen in the

media and more simply, due to human nature. Children in today’s society are sent mixed-

messages about what they should and should not do sexually. These messages are further

confounded with information imparted by their parents, schools, religious groups, peers, and can

even be influenced by their ethnicity, socioeconomic status and gender. Due to these factors,

sexual education in the United States has not achieved the desired aim of reducing the number of

sexually active young adults.

Sex has been a controversial issue throughout history and in the media it has been

portrayed as something to be avoided and simultaneously as the ultimate and most desirable

accomplishment. As a result, children may become confused and will undoubtedly look for

adequate information about sexuality from their role-models, such as teachers, parents, and

church leaders. The information they receive shapes their opinion of themselves, their

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