Thread: Abstinence only education?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18093769/

More studies will either show a mixed result or reinforce the belief that abstinence only education is outdated and ineffective. For what it's worth, I don't think it would hurt to teach teenagers about safe sex practices in addition to the benefits of abstinence. What do you guys think?

From what I remember of what I had, they taught us all about different birth control methods including abstinence but they never treated it as anything other than that. I would favor a program that did cover all the bases but showed abstinence as the only real safe and morally ideal choice. What I had was really nothing more than an instruction manual on how to not any help in making the decision whether to or not. It seems like these classes at least could help the students build a moral foundation for themselves in the void that is our current society.

I'm sure you could teach abstinance. It would be like maths - 10% of students would find it beneficial and useful, and the rest would just say "where would I use this in the real world?"

James.

I've seen it both ways, and I honestly think a good mix of both is key. Stress the abstinence part, but give good instruction on how to be safe. There's always going to be at least two kids in the class who will have sex, so you may as well prepare them correctly. Besides, in the heat of the moment, do you really want to look at the instructions on the trojan box?

Coming from a semi liberal, Christian home (contradicting terms?), I was raised with abstinence as the only real choice, and I still hold to that.

However, I believe that you need to teach other safe sex practices. Abstinence is primarily viewed as a religious practice by most teenagers, and even young adults. Though I feel that abstinence is the best choice, this comes from my moral beliefs and has nothing to do with me not wanting a kid or to get STDs. I remain abstinent for my future wife, and that is really the only reason. I can't see everybody having the same view point, and I don't see many teenagers not having sex just to avoid pregnancy or STDs. Therefor safe sex needs to be taught, though I would appreciate a greater emphasis on abstinence.

Matt

I second Kentriv, except for the liberal Christan home part. I created my own views, and I am waiting for my future wife, but I was taught how to be safe, and taught that in school. I guess I was just different. We were never taught abstinence.