myths and facts |
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There are arguments against sexual health education that are incorrect. Here is some information to help educators respond to statements that are unfounded.
MYTH: Sexuality education teaches students how to have sex.
FACT:
There are a number of
confusions about sexuality education, the worst one of which is
defining it as sex education. Sex is used in our culture as a
euphemism for sexual intercourse. Sexuality is a much broader issue
and includes talking about values, decision-making, biology,
emotions, gender identity, and sexual feelings. [i]
Classes do not include teaching about sexual techniques. Sexual
health education emphasizes that abstinence is the best behaviour
choice for adolescents, and that the next best alternatives are
postponement of sexual intercourse, limiting the number of sexual
partners, and the effective use of protection against pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases. *****
FACT: Various
studies have shown that sexuality education programs result in
increased parent-child communication about various topics concerning
sexuality. [ii] *****
FACT:
A
World Health Organization literature review concluded that there is
"no support for the contention that sex education encourages
experimentation or increased activity. If any effect is observed,
almost without exception, it is in the direction of postponed
initiation of sexual intercourse and/or effective use of
contraceptives." [iii] *****
FACT:
In every subject, students are given a foundation in the early school
years that is expanded upon in later years. Children are often
curious about issues related to sexuality and need accurate,
age-appropriate information. [iv]
Students in elementary learn about physical, emotional and social
changes that occur during puberty, the basic components of the
reproductive system, fetal development and risk factors associated
with exposure to blood borne diseases. [v]
*****
FACT: Comprehensive
Sexual Health Education stresses abstinence as the preferred sexual
behaviour amongst teens. Abstaining from sexual activity that
involves exchange of bodily fluids and/or genital to genital or skin
to genital contact is the only way to be absolutely sure of avoiding
the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Postponement
of initial sexual activity until maturity, adherence to one sexual
partner and protected sexual intercourse are sequentially offered as
the next best alternatives. [vi]
The programs that have been most effective in helping young people to
abstain discuss both abstinence and contraception. [vii] *****
FACT:
Repeated studies show that condoms used consistently and correctly
offer a high degree of protection against pregnancy and STI and HIV. The
most common cause for failure is improper or inconsistent use. Using
a condom is 10,000 times safer than not using a condom at all. That
is why including condom instruction in sexuality education is so
important. [viii] *****
FACT: Kids
are constantly picking up sexual messages, many of them ones that do
not promote healthy sexuality. Kids will pick up the commercial and
exploitative messages that are in the interest of advertisers to
promote, and they will pick up misinformation from their uninformed
peers. From adults they may pick up the message that there is
something wrong about feeling comfortable about sexuality.
***** MYTH: If you talk to kids about sex they will go out and experiment.
FACT:
Children who are well informed and comfortable in talking about
sexuality with their parents are also the least likely to have
intercourse when they are adolescents. It appears that knowledge does
not lead to inappropriate behaviour, whereas a lack of information
poses greater risks. *****
FACT:
Our children learn from us by observing. We become models of how to
be healthy adults, to have relationships, to show affection, and to
resolve conflict. In these ways, we are the primary sexuality
educators of our children. When we avoid talking about sexuality we
give our children the message that this topic is not proper to
discuss, to learn about, to have questions on. Our silence is as
eloquent as our words. *****
FACT: It
is quite common to be uncomfortable in talking about sexuality.
However, we should not let this stop us from educating our students.
Sexual Health
Education must address and acknowledge the diverse needs of all
students. [ix]
It is important for sexual health educators to provide comprehensive
Sexual Health Education that is both culturally and socially
appropriate. Talking about facts rather than values is an effective
way to combat apprehension. [x] *****
[i]
JH Teach Pkg., Source: Merideth Moore, Saskatchewan Department of
Health
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