Why Sex Ed Needs to be Taught in Schools: A Teen’s Perspective

By: Quinandria Lee
Ms. Lee is a highschool student in North Charleston, SC and is a member of the South Carolina Youth Activist Network, a project of Advocates for Youth.

Teenage pregnancy is a heavily discussed issue in our nation. In my English Class, I recently submitted a persuasive speech on the topic of why comprehensive sex education should be provided in school systems, as oppose to only offering abstinence-only education programs. I am an advocate for comprehensive sex education being taught in the school system, and in my opening statement, I raised the question on whether the teen is fully responsible for unplanned pregnancies. Could the parents and the school system also be the blame for unplanned pregnancies? I understand that it only takes “two to tango”, but when those two teenagers begin to tango, these unplanned circumstances could have been prevented from happening if they had more information about their sexual health. We are all aware that most teenagers feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about sex, but did you know that most parents also feel uncomfortable talking to their child about sex? There is never a set time on when a child is “ready” to talk about sex, the discretion is usually left up to the parent. Although many parents will take the initiative to explain to their children that abstinence is the only 100 percent effective method to prevent pregnancy and diseases, should they not also elaborate on how their teen can prevent these things if they should choose to become sexually active? If their child does become sexually active, as it is going to happen one day, shouldn’t the parents also inform the child on how to correctly use a condom, or other forms of contraceptive methods? The rates of teenage pregnancy are still frighteningly high, but this could be corrected with the cooperation of parents, and by mandating comprehensive sex education in all public schools. Talking to teens about sex does not mean you’re condoning it, it simply means that you have informed them about their options to protect their health. But what about those teens who do not have parents to educate them about sexual health at home? There is a need for comprehensive sex education in the schools; this would greatly benefit the children who are not getting the “sex talk” with their parent/guardian at home. Students not only need to know, but have the RIGHT to know, that there are a variety of birth control options,  in addition to condoms, the shot, and the pills which are also available to them.

When it comes down to teen pregnancy, both parties involved are responsible, but should the parents and the school system also share some of the blame? Why fail our teens by allowing them to get misinformation from media and their friends, when this valuable information should be provided by the parents and teachers?