4 Reasons Why Sexual Health Education Is Important
Today, it seems like sex is everywhere. Whether it’s in the movies and TV shows we watch, the music we listen to, or the books we read, it’s sure to pop up eventually.
So, why isn’t sex talked about in the classroom?
Despite research that proves teaching sexual health education in schools doesn’t increase sexual activity but instead only armors teens with knowledge, many schools still uphold the notion that abstinence is the best way to approach sex as a youth.
Do you believe that sexual health education should be taught to teen students? Here, we’re going to highlight four benefits of sexual health education that prove that it should be! Just keep on reading to learn more.
1. Encourages Safe Sex
Sexual education programs emphasize the importance of safe, protected sex. By teaching how to effectively use contraceptive methods such as condoms or birth control, students gain the knowledge that allows them to protect themselves against STDs and pregnancy.
2. Prevents Sexually-Transmitted Diseases
Many teens aren’t aware of how easily sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) can be spread. During sexual education lessons, students are taught about the different kinds of STDs, including the following:
- Herpes
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- HIV/AIDS
Not only do sex-ed courses teach teens about the symptoms and treatments for these STDs, but they also go over ways that students can prevent them (like by practicing safe sex and always using a condom).
3. Reduces Teen Pregnancy
By teaching students about human anatomy and how their reproductive systems function, teens get a better understanding of how pregnancy can happen (and, conversely, how they can avoid it).
Most sexual education programs discuss the different forms of contraception, and some even hand out free condoms to students. That way, if teens do decide to have sex, they’ll at least have a form of protection.
4. Empowers Healthy Relationships With Sex
When sex isn’t discussed in the classroom, teens are left to wonder about it on their own. That’s how a lot of myths and misconceptions start to confuse them about sex!
Sex-ed courses approach sex as something that the individual has complete control over. They teach teens that sex it’s their choice to engage in intercourse, every time, and they should only do so if they feel completely comfortable with that person. This helps teens understand their morality when it comes to sex and establish boundaries.
When sex-ed teachers help students understand that their actions have consequences, teens are more likely to make smarter, safer choices about sex in the future. Don’t end up like Pastor David Wilson!
Sexual Health Education Protects Our Youth
We won’t always know what our teens are up to, but with schools teaching sexual health education, we’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re aware of the consequences and know how to protect themselves. Don’t be afraid to talk to your teen about safe sex and answer any questions they might have.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to read our other posts about all things health.
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