The debate over whether or not to include sexual education in the public school curriculum (and at what age or grade level) is one that continues to rage.

While some parents feel that informing kids about sex and sexuality will only prompt them to start experimenting before they’re ready (or before they fully understand the physical and emotional ramifications), others think that relating the pitfalls of unprotected sex (pregnancy, STDs) allows children to make informed decisions as they move into adolescence. And opening a dialogue with kids, making the topic less taboo, may help them feel comfortable enough to seek advice from more experienced adults when it comes time for them to choose. Still other parents feel that they, not the school, should be allowed to discuss such matters with their children as they deem appropriate. And then there are various religious and teen pregnancy debates to be considered. All in all, it is a big issue.
If you fall on the side of the fence that advocates parental control of the dissemination of information you may be pleased to know that in states that mandate sexual education, removal from instruction is often allowed, while some require written parental consent for students to participate (at least initially).
Eventually, as your child moves into high school, they will undoubtedly be exposed to sexual education, either as a portion of their health curriculum or through their peers, but most parents would probably agree that by the time kids are in high school they should be allowed to learn about the physiological changes they are undergoing. On the other hand, informing kids early about what to expect could be beneficial in the long run. With kids as young as twelve or thirteen engaging in sexual activity and having babies, it seems clear that a lack of education could turn out to be a disaster. Warnings about the adverse effects of sexual intercourse could be the key to curbing these unfortunate tendencies.
The root of the problem lies in the fact that our culture generally views sex and sexuality as taboo topics, especially when it comes to children. Further clouding the issue are differences in parental views, which dictate what information should be doled out, as well as the difficulty of gauging the age at which children should be educated (as they develop at different rates). Is it advisable to inform kids who might not otherwise be interested in sex for years to come just so that the few who will get in trouble early on have a chance to understand the changes they are undergoing? This seems to be the crux of the debate.
One thing is certain: at some point, your child will start to wonder about sexuality. It is an unavoidable aspect of their biological and social progression. And the decision to educate them as you see fit or leave it up to the school system could make a big difference, not only in how they approach the topic, but their willingness to include you in the discussion. The best course of action may be to gain your child’s trust by broaching the subject early on in order to reassure them that their bodily changes are normal, and then continue the conversation as they learn more at school so that you can fill in any gaps (in both factual information and moral direction).
What do you think is best for your children? Leave us a comment below.
[Jamie DeSanto is a writer for Online Nursing Programs where you can browse the best online nursing programs in the country.]
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