Debate Topic: Sex Education

In 20 states and District of Comlubia, sex education classes are required. New York just recently made it mandatory in January 2012. Arizona, however does not require such courses. There is a large debate over whether this is acceptable or not. Some parents feel it is unnecessary because of fear of increasing activity. This is not true because studies show that it has actually reduced such behavior. Does it not make sense to give our students as much information as possible? Teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases may even go down because of these courses. It is better to teach our students of the right way then to have them learn wrong ways due to lack of information. I personally feel that schools have some responsibilty in giving students the information that will keep them healthy and safe. Parents also may feel that they want to shelter their children from this type of behavior. This is not a good attitude to have because that is not reality and if we do not teach the actual world then students and children alike are bound to discover and experiment with things themselves. We simply cannot shelter in this sort of fasion. It is wrong to withold information that may alter ones perception of life, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences, and only because the student was uneducated! Sex Ed. courses also give the students a sense of responsibility. Allowing students to take these courses allows the participant to feel like they are being taken seriously and it shows them that they are mature enough to handle such responsibility. Should sex education courses be offered to not only high school students but elementary students as well? Studies are pointing to yes because behavior of sexual activity no longer ranges to the high school age. Even students under the age of thirteen are participants. If those students do not know what they are doing then how are we supposed to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases of young ages? I feel as though fifth graders, who will soon be in middle schoolers, could be mature enough for even just the basics of it. Any younger is unnecessary because they are much more unlikely to participate in such behaviors for they may not be able to understand it. In conclusion, sex education courses should become a mandatory course. It can reduce this risky behavior, as well as provide students with information ultimately leading to preventive measures of life changing consequences.