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My nineteen-year-old dad and my twenty-year-old mom were surprised to find out that
they had conceived a child eighteen years ago. In a heavily religious, particularly Catholic,
nation known as the Philippines, it seemed as though they had no other choice but to continue
with the pregnancy and get married. So they did. And I was born within a few months. As young
and unprepared as they were, I remember that they always figured out how to balance
everything. My mom would work all day at the mall while my dad got me ready for school and
would always be back home in time from his job once I finished. We did not live a luxurious life,
but it was relatively comfortable and stable all throughout my childhood. Even when we
immigrated to the United States, I admit it was rocky for awhile, but they eventually found a
foothold and were able to provide me with even better security and happiness.
I am incredibly fortunate to have parents who truly cared for me and always did what
they thought would be best for me, even if it cost them basically their whole life. However, I am
aware that it is not like that for everybody. Unintended pregnancies are life-changing, especially
at a young age. For awhile, I wondered how it was possible that my parents did not know how to
protect themselves so that they could prevent a pregnancy. My mom later informed me that they
did not have sex education in the Philippines. They had no idea what birth control or
contraceptives were; it simply was not taught to them. It made me think about sexual health
I remember back in fifth grade how my peers and I were separated by sex to learn about
the menstrual cycle and the emerging biological and emotional changes we were about to
experience due to puberty. Fast forward to seventh grade and we were actually taught what sex
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was, sexually transmitted infections (STDs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and pregnancy. Finally, in ninth grade we were informed
about the different types of birth control and contraceptives—with a heavy emphasis on
abstinence, as well as what healthy/abusive relationships consist of. Looking back on the sex-ed I
received, it was pretty decent, but it was definitely lacking. What about different sexual
orientations and gender identities? What about consent? How to really have sex? What is sexual
pleasure and how to deal with that? How to avoid or fight sexual abuse? How to deal with being
sexually abused? These were questions I did not even think of back then but as a senior in high
school today, I believe that these are absolutely necessary for teenagers to know. Cognizant of
Comprehensive sexual education consists of a wide array of topics that go beyond sex
itself. Along with the biological aspects of sex, it also includes other issues that are not normally
covered in general science classes: birth control, contraception, STIs, HIV, AIDS, pregnancy,
reproductive health resources, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual attitudes and behavior,
consent, and relationships—though the definition can vary, these are the most commonly agreed
upon. All of these concepts are essential for teenagers to learn because it teaches them how to
handle possible real-life situations they are bound to encounter at some point in their lives.
the only method that is 100% effective, but also making sure to include the different types of
birth control and contraception in the case that teenagers do engage in sexual activities. It would
be very dangerous to assume that all teenagers will abstain from sex until marriage because
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realistically, they do not. The CDC, or Center for Disease Control, confirms that 40% of high
schoolers in the United States surveyed in 2017 have had sexual intercourse (“Sexual
Behaviors”). This fact cannot be ignored; it needs to be addressed. However, many fear that
introducing the different types of birth control and contraception will encourage teenagers to
participate in sexual endeavors even earlier since they would know how to do so. Surprisingly,
“[s]trong evidence suggests that approaches to sex education that include information about both
contraception and abstinence help young people to delay sex” (“American Adolescents’
Sources”). A more complete sex education provides teenagers with better knowledge and,
consequently, can foster a sense of responsibility. For this reason, when American curriculums
did implement comprehensive sexual education which included teaching teenagers about the
efficacy of birth control, “the rate [of unintended teenage pregnancies] had fallen below 35 per
1,000 teenagers and continued to decline annually from the point” (“Sex Education”). Moreover,
“birth control proponents point out that the number of teenagers who used condoms during their
first sexual experience tripled between 1975 and 1995, from 18 percent to 54 percent” which was
during the time when comprehensive sexual education was in place (Roleff 8). Given helpful
information, teenagers are able to utilize it effectively. So even if they do engage in sexual
activities, they know how to do so safely. They will know how to protect themselves from STIs
and prevent unintended pregnancies which makes teaching birth control and contraception an
integral part of sex education. Furthermore, educating teenagers about the consequences of
unprotected sex, such as STIs and HIV/AIDS, can encourage them to postpone having sex or
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Contracting an STI, HIV, or AIDS is undeniably one of the biggest physical risks that
comes with having sex. Since sex is a very physical action where bodily fluids are exchanged
from one body to another, it can have serious effects on one’s health: “‘Lack of effective sex
education can have very real, very serious health consequences,’ Dr. Stephanie Zaza, director of
the CDC’s division of adolescent and school health, said in a statement” (Firger). STDs are no
joke, some can be chronic, fatal, or cause sterility. Added with the fact that, “3 million teens
acquire a sexually transmitted disease each year (which translates into 1 out of every 10
adolescents,” it makes sense that it would be part of the curriculum (Roleff 84). It also reinforces
why teenagers are educated on the different methods of protection. Without that information,
they are incredibly susceptible to acquiring an illness. While some of which can be treated fairly
easily, others are irreversible, like HIV. It was not too long ago when contracting HIV was
equivalent to receiving a death sentence. Fortunately, living with HIV can be manageable with
proper treatment but still, the virus will forever be in one’s body. Not only that, but it can
transform into AIDS in which the immune system has been severely damaged and the body is
Teenagers are made aware of the significance of the potential infections they can get if
they have sex and are taught to understand the repercussions in addition to how to prevent
contracting them. As of late, “youth ages 15-24 make up just over one quarter of the sexually
active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that
occur in the United States each year” (“Adolescents”). Evidently, a substantial portion of those
affected are the youth and so information about STDs is heavily stressed. That is also why Devin
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Jackson, a sixth grade science middle school teacher at Foothill Middle School with a Masters
Degree in education prefers that in his class they would “go over what is HIV/AIDS and why it’s
important to talk about them in connection to young adults because that’s around when many
children reach puberty.” Forming these connections allows teenagers to understand its relevance
to them and why they should care. Ideally, they would then recognize that if they were to have
sex that they use protection to avoid STIs. However, it also acknowledged that some
In the United States, “teens who identify with LGBTQ communities can be at higher risk
of contracting STDs, but safeguarding against transmissions becomes difficult when states
prohibit teachers from discussing sexual orientation in class” (“America’s Sex Education”).
Typical sex education does not include LGBTQ+ communities. In fact, there are laws that
prohibit the discussion of them in class which does not allow them to learn about their sexuality
well-informed about birth control, contraception, STIs, consent, and relationships just as much as
their cisgender-heterosexual counterparts are. It is extremely apparent that the consequences can
be life-changing and yet, “[o]nly 35% of high school health programs provide services
specifically for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students” (“Inclusive Sex Education”). Without
directions or information catered to their demographic in particular, these teenagers do not know
what to do and how to protect themselves in sexual situations. In the United States, “[s]chools
are unsafe and unwelcoming for most LGBTQ students, which can have negative impacts on
health and well-being” (“Inclusive Sexual Health…”). They are not equal with everyone else as
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the law discounts them, and they are ignored in society which creates the idea that they are not as
important or that they are a taboo subject to talk about. LGBTQ+ youth are placed at even more
risk as they may feel that they are unable to ask their questions or voice their concerns. Hence,
comprehensive sexual education addresses them in order to educate and keep as many teenagers
as safe as possible.
In this new day and age, a lot more people, including teenagers, are discovering
themselves and their true identities and so sexuality is encouraged to be discussed. Teachers
should explain that people can feel different, be who they want to be, and like whoever they like
regardless of sex along with the assurance that it is acceptable. In reality, there are different
sexual orientations and gender identities that go beyond the norm of heterosexuality. Those
minorities need to be taught and represented because there are many of them and it opens up
others’ perceptions. Teenagers will learn early on to respect these individuals and accept them
for who they are instead of shaming them because they are uneducated and unaware. It is
preferable that “[i]n a school setting, LGBTQ youth are… able to fully express their identity and
realize their full potential” and they are confident and comfortable to be themselves (“Gender
and Sexual Diversity”). LGBTQ youth deserve the same sense of freedom and safety that any
other heterosexual teenager does in the classroom which is why it is crucial to learn about
sexuality. Middle school teacher Jackson states that they “go over the definition of transgender
versus transsexual and makes sure that everyone feels comfortable no matter what” as an integral
part of his sexual education class. Learning about sexuality is a key component in a
comprehensive sexual education since there is a lot of controversy behind it that needs to be
clarified.
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Another relatively controversial issue is consent. The rising #MeToo movement has
sparked many conversations about what consent truly entails for both parties. It used to be that
schools taught “no means no” which indicates that if someone says no then it is not okay to
proceed. But what about if they stay silent? What if they did not say yes but did not say no
either? What if they were intoxicated? Doubtful circumstances can arise where there is not a
clear answer from at least one of the parties which could lead to an instance of sexual abuse. For
this reason, “no means no” is no longer in effect and has been replaced by “yes means yes.”
According to Jackson, this phrase provides a definite answer that states that the sexual activity is
something that they do want to engage in given that when this is said, the individual(s) is not
intoxicated. This method provides affirmation rather than the vague denial that someone may not
want to do something. Identifying consent will help form healthy relationships, avoid abusive
ones, and reduce sexual abuse. This is what makes comprehensive sexual education
comprehensive in the sense that it goes beyond the physical health aspect, but also covers other
Evelyn Pareno, a licensed vocational nurse, stresses that “teenagers should be educated
about healthy relationships and consent so that they are not so naive and will not be confused.”
Being able to discern what is right or wrong is the first step to preventing abuse. Furthermore,
they need to know how to say yes or no or else they are left in a very vulnerable position. Such
was the case for one 16-year-old girl who anonymously shared her sexual harassment experience
to a teen coach:
I was sexually abused and no-one told me what was done to me was wrong. We got
stranger danger and how to cross the road and that was it. He was my granddad. I didn't
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like it but didn't know it was wrong but thought I should be embarrassed as I thought it
was my fault. If I had known it was wrong and that I could say something and someone
had listened, it might have stopped earlier or I might have told before I did. (Sellgren)
Teenagers themselves are demanding a well-rounded sex education that teaches them how to
deal with situations like this. If these lessons are not part of the curriculum, many will be left
vulnerable and in danger. Pareno asserts that given lessons about consent and healthy
relationships, “teens [will] develop the communication skills to form healthy relationships
throughout their lives that are based on mutual respect and affection and free from violence and
intimidation.” It can be preventable with proper education on these matters and that is why it is
Teenagers themselves are taking matters into their own hands. Sexual education in
schools are not always comprehensive. They are demanding sex-ed that goes beyond the physical
aspect: “Teens say they want information about social, emotional and behavioral topics,
including what predatory behavior looks like. How to handle unwanted advances from people
you know…” (“Young people”). Schools seem to be an inadequate source of information as they
are not doing well in promoting safe sex practices or teaching teenagers how to consent and build
healthy relationships. Especially with the Trump administration forcing their abstinence-only
agenda, comprehensive sex education seems to be even less likely now and it is enraging. The
Comprehensive sexual education all in all truly works to keep teenagers safe and smart
when it comes to sex, sexuality, and relationships. In the end, it proves that it serves to protect
them from unintended pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence/abuse. Thus, it is absolutely
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necessary for their physical and mental well-being. Teenagers are curious creatures and are
heavily influenced by what they see around them, most of which happen to be sex. It is
everywhere on television, youtube, Netflix, songs, and so many other forms of media. And
honestly, they are hard to control. As great as abstinence is, a huge portion of them will not abide
to that and if they choose not to, they should not be shamed for it. After all, they are only human
as well and they are living through a time of change and exploration. Sex should not have to be a
taboo subject because truthfully, 99% of the people in the world will or have already had sex. So
instead of stupidly hoping or denying that teenagers should never have sex, why not cater to the
realistic probability that they might? In either case, they are knowledgeable and can make
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Works Cited
“Adolescents and Young Adults | Prevention | STDs | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and
2019.
2019,
www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/facts-american-teens-sources-information-about-sex.
“America's Sex Education: How We Are Failing Our Students.” Blog, 18 Sept. 2017,
Firger, Jessica. “U.S. Educators Still Won't Talk About Sex.” Newsweek, 7 May 2016,
www.newsweek.com/us-schools-still-lack-sufficient-sex-education-programs-404328.
School,
www.safeatschool.ca/plm/equity-and-inclusion/vision-equity-and-inclusion/healthy-equal
www.whatworksinyouthhiv.org/youth-hiv/youth-sexual-health/inclusive-sex-education.
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“Inclusive Sexual Health Education for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer
Mar. 2019.
Jackson, Devin. 6th Grade Middle School Science Teacher, Personal Interview. 5 March 2019.
Sellgren, Katherine. “Lack of Sex Education a Ticking Time Bomb, Councils Warn.” BBC News,
“Sexual Behaviors | Adolescent and School Health | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and
“Young people can tell you the kind of sex ed they really need.” CNN Wire, 31 Oct. 2018.
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A560648247/SUIC?u=wal55317&sid=SUIC&xid=36
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