Ruiz 1

Gabriela Ruiz
Time for the Talk: The Importance of Early Sex Education
Advanced Argumentative Writing
Deborah Weaver
Submitted: April 21, 2014

This argument will speak to PTA involved middle school parents in the hopes of informing them
of the benefits and results of comprehensive education programs. This argument also intends to
persuade these parents to take action in the form of a proposal to implement these programs in
their school districts.

Ruiz 2

Gabriela Ruiz
Argumentative Essay
Deborah Weaver
April 8th, 2014

Time for the Talk: The Importance of Early Sex Education

At least one in four teenage girls has contracted a sexually transmitted disease. That
number sums up to 3 million teenagers starting as early as 13 years of age. So a 13 year old who
is getting ready to enter the 7 th grade and take their first pre-algebra class may already be
carrying a sexually transmitted disease putting their health and life at risk. Do you want this to
be your 13 year old? These overwhelming numbers have made the topic of sexual education
programs in schools very relative and controversial. Yet, even with crucial facts and numbers
there has been a lack of determining a specific action concerning the implementation of these
programs in schools. The controversy arises at the disagreement of whether children should be
taught safe sex or abstinence only, as well as when in time should the topic of sex be brought to a
child. Many school boards are too afraid to cross that bridge in fear of upsetting parents, parents
who will always feel that their religion or their moral education is above the statistics and who
feel skeptical about such sensitive programs being taught in a school. For this small percentage
of parents, sex is still a very taboo topic and they do not wish to normalize the topic of sex.
However, a study by DoSomething.org shows that at least 80% of middle school parents support
the idea of a sexual education course (and one that includes information about sexual
orientation). Yet, the lack of a solid and defined curriculum has not moved these parents to
become full advocates of this petition. The reality is that the topic of sex is going to continue

Ruiz 3

reaching children at earlier ages, as there are increasing mediums and influences surrounding
them. From your television set and current music, to the video game they play at their friends
house, or even the movie theater dates with friends. Fortunately, there are parents who
understand this reality and the need for some kind of proper and professional education being
taught to their children. These parents just want to know what that education should be and how
the school can properly administer it. These parents need not only information, but they need to
invoke the changes necessary in our middle schools.
Although a minority number, those in favor of abstinence-only programs seem to have a
louder voice in the matter. Abstinence-only programs have not proven to be effective in the past
several years as studies have shown. Abstinence-only programs solely direct their effort on
teaching children to avoid any sex until marriage. Undeniably, that would be the ultimate ideal
situation to protect children from STDs and unwanted pregnancies. But yet again, it is simply
not the reality. A U.S. government report has concluded that these abstinence-only programs
have failed to diminish or control the sexual behavior that continues to occur at younger ages in
teens. This Health and Human Services survey found that the middle school students who went
through the abstinence-only program were just as likely to have sexual relations as those who did
not take the program. In both of these groups the average age the teenagers had intercourse was
at about 14 years of age. This survey also found that in both groups about 25 percent of teens
already had sex with three or more partners. What these facts are showing is that these
abstinence-only programs are having no influence in our youth. And as these programs have no
effects these children are getting sexual related information elsewhere. And most likely, when
receiving this information about sex from movies, video games, music, or friends it is erroneous

Ruiz 4

and misconceived. In addition, it creates confusion in children who are being told not to have any
sex and the constant sexual imagery and messages coming from outside sources.
One of the major reasons we should establish and administer a comprehensive education
program is the alarming rising number of STDS and unwanted pregnancies across the United
States, especially in teenagers. It should have parents indignantly concerned with finding a way
to relieve these problems. Luckily, the school districts that have implemented some form of
comprehensive education program in their schools have proven to be a great relief. Although
there is no one specific general program guideline for these comprehensive education programs,
they all focus on the combination of abstinence and safe sex education. These programs
encourage children to not have sex until marriage, but provide children with information about
contraceptives, STDs, pregnancy, and the physical to the emotional risks of early sex. The fact is
that unless a parent keeps their child at home all 24 hours of everyday, their child is highly likely
to encounter the topic of sex somewhere. It is in their best interest that they learn the correct
information in a proper setting from a credited professional. It is ultimately in your hands that
this safe and appropriate learning environment is executed. Those who oppose these programs
express that they fear teaching children about sex will encourage them to engage in sexual
activities. Again, the statistics prove otherwise. In a study by the World Health Organization, of
35 sex education programs around the world there has been no evidence that these programs
encourage sexual activity. Other studies conducted nationwide by Planned Parenthood and
Guttmacher Institute have also reached the same conclusions. So what is standing in the way of
these children receiving a proper education that will help prevent them from becoming one of
those 19 million teenagers? A lack of conviction from the concerned majority of parents, who
need a defined plan to support.

Ruiz 5

Although these comprehensive education programs are proving effective it is

difficult to give them the appreciation and credit when there is not a set curriculum or one
program to follow. What we need to do is implement a standard comprehensive program with a
set curriculum and guidelines. Thus, eliminating any inconsistencies and addressing all the
concerns surrounding this topic. Because there is no federal law requiring these programs be
implemented the decision is left up to each state or the school districts. This has caused an
imbalance and unorganized system within the system. The matter of having a definite curriculum
is essential in creating a program that is stable and reviewed by professionals and psychologists.
For example, Project Reality is a comprehensive education program that has obtained popularity
and support across Illinois for its appropriate balance of abstinence and sex education. Those in
charge of teaching children these programs should also be professionals with the right
credentials. Several comprehensive education programs have psychologist with expertise on
these subjects conduct the course.
Throughout the schools that do provide a comprehensive education program there are a
variety of lessons, methods, and school grades in which these are taught. Varying anywhere from
the 5th grade into high school. As many studies have shown, the age in which comprehensive
education programs are taught is significantly important. Teaching children about safe sex is
more effective when it is taught before their first sexual encounter as opposed to after. Being that
the average age of sexual intercourse is currently about 14 years of age then it would seem
appropriate to introduce this course in middle schools. And although, that is the average age in
the U.S. currently, there have been many cases where children have had a sexual encounter of
some sort at a younger age, and that includes some form of sexual harassment. Therefore, it

Ruiz 6

would be appropriate to begin introducing these topics within the first two years of middle
school.
Last but certainly not least, it is important that parents remain very involved throughout
the duration of these programs. Comprehensive education programs do not intend to take the role
and full responsibility away from the parents of educating their children, but instead to share it,
and help provide the students with the most factual and preventive information as possible.
Instead of allowing the media and other outside sources to become more overwhelming than
what a parent instills only at home. It is also not the intention to force these programs on every
student. Parental consent is as important as parental involvement. No one is denying your role as
a parent in your childs life. Simply because a small number of parents feel it is against their
religious or moral beliefs, does not mean this effective educational program should not be
available to the majority of students. Your child has a right to be informed with the measures to
keep them safe in any scenario.
The point is that if the topic of sex is going to be thrown at children through unreliable
mediums then it is important there be just as equal available information regarding the dangers of
unprotected sex. It is possible to find the right balance, and to have knowledge of the information
your children are receiving. Taking the right steps and moving in this direction will resurrect the
determination of parents who want to prevent their children from becoming another statistic. 3 in
10 girls will have had an unwanted pregnancy before reaching the age of 20. Yet, there is no
decisive voice in the sexual education controversy across the nation. It is time to take action to
discontinue the growing statistics that prove that children are not being guided in the right
direction. Hoping for a resolution is not the answer; it is the parents responsibility to create it.
This is only possible if you take part in bringing this plea to the educational system. Schools play

Ruiz 7

a critical role in preventing the dangers of early sex, and parents will play a critical role in
enforcing so. The dangers towards you children keep growing, and as parents it is justifiable to
worry, but it is also fundamental to understand the reality that surrounds your children. Because
these are your children and the molding of their future is in your hands. It is time for the majority
to make their voice heard, and take action. A voice that has the right to be heard by the school
boards of your district. The right to petition a change within the educational system in which
your child learns. It is the time to for parents to come together in a unified voice to create the
development within our schools, and ultimately your childrens lives.

Ruiz 8

Works Cited

Amis, John. "1 in 4 Teen Girls Have STD - USATODAY.com." 1 in 4 Teen Girls Have STD USATODAY.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
Fox, Health Maggie, and Science Editor. "Abstinence Education Doesn't Work: Report."
Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 14 Apr. 2007. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
Masland, Molly. "Carnal Knowledge: The Sex Ed Debate." Msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web.
18 Mar. 2014.
Mcclung, Ashley A., and Michelle M. Perfect. "Psychologists View on Sex Ed." Sexual Health
Education. National Association of School Psychologists, n.d. Web. 18Mar. 2014.