Parenting Issues Debate

I favor abstinence only. .because it is the only thing that is both safe and effective. I believe that some education that includes birth control teaching (Planned Parenthood's in particular) can only confuse some kids and lull them into believing that birth control equals "safe sex" equals infallible--which it's not. It's not 100% fool-proof, it's not 100% safe, either. Young girls who go on the Pill or other hormone based contraception can have serious complications (strokes, clots)--and since they don't have to have their parents permission to get a script, might not be aware of how b/c pills interact, are rendered ineffective, with other meds kids take--like certain antibiotics. I won't even get into how it doesn't consider different religious beliefs and teachings.

I do agree with one poster in that you have to be able to say "yes" to say "no"--and I think what abstinence teaching does, or should do, is empower kids to put value into their own bodies--give them reasons to wait. I know a few people who teach this course--and I've witnessed one talk. They don't make it sound like sex is "dirty"--they emphasize how it is great, but that it does come with inherent risks and it's worth waiting for until the time is right and how if your partner is sincere, they'll wait as well.

When you consider that our children can not even take a motrin in school without an act of congress, yet our DDs can be on the Pill or have abortions without parents knowing--that's pretty messed up legislation. It scares me.

IF schools are meant to "prepare the citizens of the future to be able to take over and run things well when they are adults." they do a damn crappy job of it. High school in no way prepares a child for real life and I know far too many people who think the same. It provides you an acedemic education (sometimes barely) and very little else. Either way, schools were never intended to be the parent and teach all the nitty gritty little things that parents are too squeamish to bother with.

Turdle

Either way, schools were never intended to be the parent and teach all the nitty gritty little things that parents are too squeamish to bother with.}}}

I agree. Parents SHOULD be able to talk to their kids about anything--I know I do with my 10 year old--I'm very upfront about what I believe, what I think is OK, what I don't believe in and WHY. I know so many other parents who actually will tell me "don't let your DD tell mine about that! I'm not ready to talk to her about it. . " OK--but if you don't, who's going to? I do tell my DD that our "private" talks must remain that way--let other parents share their views and beliefs with their kids--but still--get your head out of the sand!!

"I favor abstinence only. .because it is the only thing that is both safe and effective."

Abstinence only is not effective. . It does not reduce sexual activity in teens, and it certainly does not reduce birth rates.

http://oversight.house.gov/features/politics_and_science/example_abstinence.htm

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/factsheet/fssexcur.htm

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/07/17/the_politics_of_sex/

I also don't expect our kids to marry young, so I would not expect anyone to remain abstinent until marriage. I didn't. Most people I know are closer to thirty when they marry for the first time. I would like my kids to wait to have sex until they are older , out of high school, and are mature enough to handle all of the consequences of sex.

<<High school in no way prepares a child for real life>>

It used to do a pretty good job of preparing a child for the dull, repetitious, factory and office work most got when they graduated.

<<Either way, schools were never intended to be the parent and teach all the nitty gritty little things that parents are too squeamish to bother with>>

Schools have always taught basic health and hygeine. The old fashioned Home Ec, and shop classes were definitely intened to teach the nitty gritty little things that parents either couldn't or wouldn't teach. I'm willing to bet most of the parents that don't teach comprehensive sexual health, have major gaps in their own knowlege. (I can comprehend basic math, but there is no way I could teach calculus)

Which nitty gritty little things that kids need to be prepared to be responsible citizens is constantly changing and there will always be disagreement about what those things are exactly. That doesn't change that fact that it's the job of school to teach them what they need to know. Of course, those with parents willing and able to educate them in practical living skills are much better off.

If the schools aren't preparing kids to take their place as responsible adult members of society, it's not correct to say they shouldn't have to. We need to change things so that they do. Comprehensive sexual health programs in one step in the right direction.