Should Sex Education Be A Part Of The Necessary Curriculum

The debate over whether or not sex education should be a part of the necessary curriculum has been a popular topic of controversy since the 1960s (Pardini). Sex education is defined as â€Å"[a] broad term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, and other aspects of human sexual behavior† (â€Å"Sex Education†, Science Daily). Today in the United States, many people no longer feel that sex is a topic to be ignored or not mentioned in â€Å"polite society,† but one that should be freely and openly discussed. With greater acceptance of sexual behaviors, comes a greater need for awareness. The topic of sex has been a subject in our culture for centuries that is frequently discussed. Issues with parents†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"These programs provide young people with the tools to make informed decisions and build healthy relationships; stress the value of abstinence while also preparing young people for when they become sexually active; provide medically accurate information about the health benefits and side effects of all contraceptives, including condoms, as a means to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDS; and teach young people the skills to make responsible decisions about sexuality† (â€Å"Comprehensive Sex Education†). In other words, comprehensive sex education allows students to understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their behaviors. It has been said that almost two-thirds of the 48 comprehensive programs that supported both abstinence and the use of condoms and contraceptives for sexually active teens had positive behavioral effects (Kirby 15). Comprehensive programs work for both genders, for all major ethnic groups, for sexually inexperienced and experienced teens, in different settings, and in different communities. In the United States, only twenty-four states and the District of Columbia require sex education to be taught in schools. Of those states, twenty require sex and/or HIV education must be medically, factually or technically accurate (â€Å"State Policies on Sex Education†). The U.S. Department of Health Human Services has gone to great lengths to ensure all is being done for students, they have