Do They or Don't They?

Published on February 18, 2009 By Tova7 In Blogging

Me: "1 Billion Dollars for STD prevention? That's stimulus?"

Her: "Well yeah. Someone needs to get in there (the schools) with bananas and condoms, show those kids how to use them."

Me: "What?"

Her: "Abstinence only doesn't work. Educators need that money!"

Me: "They already get sex ed, at least at my kid's school. And what school teaches abstinence only?"

Her: "All of them!"

Me: "How many kids do you have? In school?"

Her: "None."

Me: "You might wanna check your facts instead of just believing some Planned Parenthood tripe. I can't speak for every public school, but my 7th grader has been force fed "safe sex" since 5th grade in a fairly conservative township. Abstinence is presented as just one way to avoid an STD and/or pregnancy. I can't believe the inner city is more conservative."

Her: "No, most schools teach abstinence only. They don't get the bananas in there, show kids how to put a condom on them."

Me: "There's a lot of room between abstinence and showing kids how to put on condoms. I don't want some stranger teaching my kid how to wear a condom. And what makes you think it is your right to decide what my kid does or doesn't learn about sex? Why do you think its the school's job to teach them? Isn't that my job as a parent?"

She shrugged.

Me: "You have an "alternate lifestyle." Do you want your kids going to a school that teaches everything you believe is wrong? That your abnormal? Is that the school's place?"

Her: "Sure. I wouldn't want my kids to be narrow minded."

The conversation ended.

So my question is to parents and former students out there....how does/did your school district handle sex education? How is/did it work(ing) for you? I received reproduction education in 7th and 8th grade, but nothing on STD or pregnancy prevention. They did talk about inappropriate touching but directed it more between adult and child.

With my kids, we've lived in three states since my oldest started school, and without exception they taught sex ed with abstinence as an option, but not the sole way to keep from getting pregnant. (My son wasn't getting it in the first school at all, too young, but all the older brothers and sisters of his friends did).

Comments (Page 2)

Tova7

on Feb 19, 2009

Well, Duh. Here's how to prevent unwanted pregnancy!

judi75

on Feb 19, 2009

My younger daughter actually teaches 'health' at the middle school level, and while she does tell the kids that abstinence is the only 100% effective method of birth and disease control, she also teaches the others. When the girls were in school themselves, we had to sign a permission slip saying that it was okay with us for them to have any 'sex ed', and I believe it was maybe a total of 2 hours. JLO does a whole unit on it. I sat in on one of her classes and couldn't believe these were tweens and young teens. Yikes!

I think the reason why it's part of so many school curriculums these days is because parents aren't talking about these things at home. That's hard for me to believe to, but research shows it's true--most parents aren't comfortable talking to their kids about sex. So the schools felt something had to be done to reduce the increasing statistics for teen pregnancies and STDs. I personally never sent my girls to school to be parented, but a lot of parents did and do.

I'll have to ask JLO if she does the banana/condom routine, and if she discusses alternate lifestyles--or if she's allowed to...

Tova7

on Feb 19, 2009

and if she discusses alternate lifestyles--or if she's allowed to...

Of the 16 school districts in the county I looked up...only 4 of 16 discuss homosexuality at all...and 4 of 16 discuss abortion.

I'm thinking now that my classmates issue is with the homosexuality issue, since she works in Dayton and they have a comprehensive sex ed classes.

Zoologist03

on Feb 19, 2009

Having said that though, do you think you, as a young college student with no children should decide what my kids do and don't get as far as sex ed? Do you think it is better left up to the local community (school board and parents)? How do you feel about parents removing their children from classes they feel are immoral, or go against their family values?

Hmm...should I decide? Well, I'd certainly like to have that kind of power...but it's not my call. I have ideas and opinions, sure...but as for making the ultimate decision it's up to the parents as it is with most things involving children.

I reckon communities and parents can decide what to teach...I just hope in my heart of hearts they make a wise decision. Although recently with the allowance of creationism in science class I'm beginning to wonder about some of the wisdom from these school boards....but that's another topic for another day.

If parents want to take their kids out of 'immoral classes' (which I would assume would be something like "Mistress Sophia's The Fine Art of S&M") then I suppose they can. There was an option for that very thing at my school. You had to have parental approval to even take the sex ed class...at least in 6th grade or whenever it was. Although there's nothing about (regular) sex that seems immoral to me. I've seen some crazy shit online that someone needs to go to hell for, though.

~Zoo

Tova7

on Feb 20, 2009

I've seen some crazy shit online that someone needs to go to hell for, though.

No accusation here, I was just wondering about it from your perspective.

lulapilgrim

on Mar 02, 2009

Thank you Tova7 for writing this article and promoting discussion on government school sex education.

So my question is to you parents and former students out there....how does/did your school district handle sex education?

I received a superb public education in the mid 50's and 60's. Then, only facts and subject matter on good health, diet, and hygeine were taught in the classroom. Of 250 graduationg in my class, one girl was pregnant and she married her boyfriend and was still married at our last class reunion.

Along with federal law, each state has their own education laws stating their education philosophy.

Federal Public Law 96-88, Title I, Section 101 states:

“…Parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children, and states, localities and private institutions have the primary responsibility for supporting that parental role.”

And Maine Education Law, Title 20, Section 1221, which is still on the books states:

“Instructors in public or private institutions shall use their best endeavors to impress upon the minds of the children and youth committed to their care and instruction the principles of morality and justice and a sacred regard for truth; of love of country, humanity and a universal benevolence; the great principles of humanity as illustrated by kindness to birds and animals and regard for all factors which contribute to the well-being of man; industry and frugality; chastity, moderation and temperance; and all other virtues which ornament society; and to lead those under their care, as their ages and capacities admit, into a particular understanding of the tendency of such virtues to preserve and perfect a republican constitution, secure the blessings of liberty and to promote their future happiness.”

I think mine was the last generation whose education philosophy and actual teaching was in compliance with both US and State law. Then, the concept of institutionalizing 13 years of sex instruction as a legitimate subject in grades K-12 seemed utterly absurd given that no one of the generations before us ever had to learn the role of sex in human life. Then people understood that the finer details of teaching human sexuality is the right and duty of parents and NOT that of the State, school boards, teacher's unions, or radical ideologues.

Now, public schools, through school board implementation of the curriculums of Planned Parenthood (and other so called "family planning" organizations), have become more human resource centers attending more to the physical, social and mental health of children. Many schools have their own clinic.

Tova7

on Mar 03, 2009

Federal Public Law 96-88, Title I, Section 101 states:

“…Parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children, and states, localities and private institutions have the primary responsibility for supporting that parental role.”

Thanks Lula. I am going to look this up and read it all when I get a chance. It is just the sort of information having on hand can prove beneficial in certain situations.

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