{"id":308,"date":"2019-07-30T19:46:05","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T19:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-childdevelopment\/?post_type=chapter&p=308"},"modified":"2019-08-01T13:37:18","modified_gmt":"2019-08-01T13:37:18","slug":"sex-education","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-childdevelopment\/chapter\/sex-education\/","title":{"raw":"Sex Education","rendered":"Sex Education"},"content":{"raw":"Sex Education <\/strong>\r\n\r\nThere has been controversy with regard to sex education in schools and policies are approved on a state by state basis.\u00a0 Most parents are in favor of school-based sex education, but some have hesitations.\u00a0 Some parents have fears that learning about sexual education actually promotes sexual activity.\u00a0 Research has shown this is not true.\u00a0 An opposite negative impact has been demonstrated.\u00a0 When youth are uneducated regarding sexual health, there is a tendency toward negative outcomes.\r\n\r\nA critical piece of education that should be given to young children involves appropriate and inappropriate touch and behaviors. Young children who do not receive this information are more vulnerable to abuse.\r\n\r\nAbstinence-Only vs. Risk-Reduction<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAbstinence-only<\/strong> sex education involves teaching only that an individual should abstain from sex. Risk-reduction<\/strong> education involves promoting delay of sexual activity, while at the same time educating with regard to risks and ways to address those risks.\u00a0 In optimal circumstances, youth would abstain, or delay having sex until they are in a committed or married relationship.\u00a0 However, this does not always happen. In fact, in the many cases, if youth do not have information to help reduce their risk of negative outcomes, they are at greater risk.\u00a0 Research has also shown that youth who have been given and followed the abstinence approach have been more likely to have their first sexual encounter unprotected.\u00a0 Abstinence-only education has not been effective overall.\r\n\r\nSexual health education for young people is a challenging topic. Community-based organizations play an important role in delivering sexual health education to adolescents to decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and unintended pregnancy.\u00a0 A sexually healthy adolescent is able to realize their individual potential around critical developmental tasks related to sexuality. These tasks include: accepting his\/her body; gender identity and sexual orientation; communicating effectively with family, peers and partners; possessing accurate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; understanding the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions; possessing the skills needed to take action to reduce his\/her risk; knowing how to use and access the health care system and other community institutions to seek information, and services as needed; setting appropriate sexual boundaries; acting responsibly according to his\/her personal values; and, forming and maintaining meaningful, healthy relationships.\r\n\r\nYouth need adults who are there for them\u2014especially parents or caregivers who will connect with them, communicate with them, spend time with them, and show a genuine interest in them. Talking with teens about sex-related topics, including healthy relationships and the prevention of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy, is a positive parenting practice that has been widely researched. A number of programs in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, parents\u2019 worksites) have been shown to increase the amount and quality of communication between parents and their teens.\r\n\r\nDoes talking with teens about sex make a difference? <\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 According to teens, the answer is \u201cyes.\u201d In national surveys conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens report that their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex\u2014more than friends, siblings, or the media. Most teens also say they share their parents\u2019 values about sex, and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 According to many researchers, the answer is \u201cyes.\u201d Studies have shown that teens who report talking with their parents about sex are more likely to delay having sex and to use condoms when they do have sex. Parents should be aware that the following important aspects of communication can have an impact on teen sexual behavior.\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • what is said<\/li>\r\n \t
  • how it is said<\/li>\r\n \t
  • how often it is said<\/li>\r\n \t
  • how much teens feel cared for, and understood by, their parents<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhat can parents do?\r\n\r\nWhen parents communicate honestly and openly with their teenage son or daughter about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, they can help promote their teen\u2019s health and reduce the chances that their teen will engage in behaviors that place them at risk. Following are some actions and approaches parents might take to improve communication with their teen about these challenging, hard-to-discuss health concerns.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Stay informed about\u2014\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Where your teen is getting information\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 What health messages your teen is learning\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 What health messages are factual and medically accurate Your teen may be getting messages about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy from a variety of sources, including teachers, friends, health care providers, television, and social media. Some of these messages may be more accurate than others. Don\u2019t assume that your teen\u2019s health education class includes the information you want your child to know\u2014school-based curricula vary from state to state.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Identify unique opportunities to have conversations with your teen, such as\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 In the car. The car is a private space where your teen doesn\u2019t have to look at you but can hear what you have to say.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Immediately following a relevant TV show\/movie. Characters on TV shows and movies model many behaviors, and certain storylines may provide the opportunity to reinforce positive behavior or discuss the consequences of risky behavior.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Through text messaging, which may provide an easy, acceptable way to reinforce messages discussed in-person.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Have frequent conversations. Although you may know that having \u201cthe talk\u201d with your teen about sex and HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention is important, having a series of discussions that begin early, happen often, and continue over time can make more of a difference than a single conversation.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Be relaxed and open. Talking about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy may not always be comfortable or easy, but you can encourage your teen to ask you questions and be prepared to give fair and honest answers. This will keep the door open for both of you to bring up the topic. It\u2019s OK to say you\u2019re feeling uncomfortable or that you don\u2019t have all the answers.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Avoid overreacting. When your teen shares personal information with you, keep in mind that he or she may be asking for your input or wants to know how you feel. Let your teen know that you value his or her opinion, even if it is different from yours\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0Provide opportunities for conversations between your teen and health care professionals. By taking your teen to regular, preventive care appointments and allowing time alone with the provider, you create opportunities for your teen to talk confidentially with doctors or nurses about health issues that may be of concern, including HIV, STDs, and pregnancy. Be prepared to suggest that you step out of the room for a moment to allow for this special time, as not all health care providers will feel comfortable asking you to leave the room.\r\n\r\nWhat topics should parents discuss with their teens?\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s important that your conversations with your teen not focus just on the consequences of risky sexual behaviors. Many teens receive these messages in health education class or elsewhere. As a parent, you have the opportunity to have discussions with your teen about other related topics. You can\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Talk about healthy, respectful relationships.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Communicate your own expectations for your teen about relationships and sex.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Provide factual information about ways to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy (e.g., abstinence, condoms and contraception, and HIV\/STD testing).\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Focus on the benefits of protecting oneself from HIV, STDs, and pregnancy.\r\n\r\n\u25a0\u00a0 Provide information about where your teen can speak with a provider and receive sexual health services, such as HIV\/STD testing.\r\n\r\nHow can parents improve their communication skills?\r\n\r\nVarious organizations have developed programs to help build parents\u2019 skills and improve parent-adolescent communication. These skill-building programs may be implemented in schools, health clinics, community-based settings, and even places where parents work. Parents, educators, health care providers, community-based staff, and employers can work together to promote positive communication between parents and adolescents about sex.","rendered":"

    Sex Education <\/strong><\/p>\n

    There has been controversy with regard to sex education in schools and policies are approved on a state by state basis.\u00a0 Most parents are in favor of school-based sex education, but some have hesitations.\u00a0 Some parents have fears that learning about sexual education actually promotes sexual activity.\u00a0 Research has shown this is not true.\u00a0 An opposite negative impact has been demonstrated.\u00a0 When youth are uneducated regarding sexual health, there is a tendency toward negative outcomes.<\/p>\n

    A critical piece of education that should be given to young children involves appropriate and inappropriate touch and behaviors. Young children who do not receive this information are more vulnerable to abuse.<\/p>\n

    Abstinence-Only vs. Risk-Reduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Abstinence-only<\/strong> sex education involves teaching only that an individual should abstain from sex. Risk-reduction<\/strong> education involves promoting delay of sexual activity, while at the same time educating with regard to risks and ways to address those risks.\u00a0 In optimal circumstances, youth would abstain, or delay having sex until they are in a committed or married relationship.\u00a0 However, this does not always happen. In fact, in the many cases, if youth do not have information to help reduce their risk of negative outcomes, they are at greater risk.\u00a0 Research has also shown that youth who have been given and followed the abstinence approach have been more likely to have their first sexual encounter unprotected.\u00a0 Abstinence-only education has not been effective overall.<\/p>\n

    Sexual health education for young people is a challenging topic. Community-based organizations play an important role in delivering sexual health education to adolescents to decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and unintended pregnancy.\u00a0 A sexually healthy adolescent is able to realize their individual potential around critical developmental tasks related to sexuality. These tasks include: accepting his\/her body; gender identity and sexual orientation; communicating effectively with family, peers and partners; possessing accurate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology; understanding the risks, responsibilities, outcomes and impacts of sexual actions; possessing the skills needed to take action to reduce his\/her risk; knowing how to use and access the health care system and other community institutions to seek information, and services as needed; setting appropriate sexual boundaries; acting responsibly according to his\/her personal values; and, forming and maintaining meaningful, healthy relationships.<\/p>\n

    Youth need adults who are there for them\u2014especially parents or caregivers who will connect with them, communicate with them, spend time with them, and show a genuine interest in them. Talking with teens about sex-related topics, including healthy relationships and the prevention of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy, is a positive parenting practice that has been widely researched. A number of programs in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, parents\u2019 worksites) have been shown to increase the amount and quality of communication between parents and their teens.<\/p>\n

    Does talking with teens about sex make a difference? <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u25a0\u00a0 According to teens, the answer is \u201cyes.\u201d In national surveys conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teens report that their parents have the greatest influence over their decisions about sex\u2014more than friends, siblings, or the media. Most teens also say they share their parents\u2019 values about sex, and making decisions about delaying sex would be easier if they could talk openly and honestly with their parents.<\/p>\n

    \u25a0\u00a0 According to many researchers, the answer is \u201cyes.\u201d Studies have shown that teens who report talking with their parents about sex are more likely to delay having sex and to use condoms when they do have sex. Parents should be aware that the following important aspects of communication can have an impact on teen sexual behavior.<\/p>\n