I'm surprised that there are so many GCers against abstinence-only -- I was imagining there would be a little bit more dissent. But I won't complain.
I think abstinence-only is ridiculous. It plays a role in so many problems, not just kids not using birth control because the abstinence-only pushers told them that condoms aren't very effective . . . but in perpetuating the sexual double standard, pushing shame on girls who are sexual, making other women afraid of their sexuality, encouraging people to marry too young.
We had sex ed in fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth grades. It was all mandatory, and although I assume parents could opt to take their kids out, I don't ever remember having any kids in my classes that were pulled out for that reason. In fourth grade, they started with the really basic, simple stuff ("this is how babies are made" and "this is what happens when you get your period" -- and classes were sex-segregated) . . . and it wasn't until eighth or ninth grade that we got into the STDs/birth control/other issues. We were taught that abstinence is the best choice but we learned all about methods of birth control too.
Threaded Mode