How We Are Failing Our Students
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Posted:Nov 1, 2020 3:16 am
Last Updated:Apr 18, 2024 6:18 pm
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When only states in the nation require sex education be medically accur a lot is left interpretation in teenage health literacy. Research published by the Public Library of ScienceExternal link pen_in_new shows that when sex education is comprehensive, students feel more informed, make safer choices and have healthier outcomes — resulting in fewer unplanned pregnancies and more protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infection.
“Sex education is about life skills,” said Elizabeth Nash, senior state issues manager at the Guttmacher Institute External linkpen_in_new. “There are so many aspects you take with you for the rest of your life, but you only get it once or twice in school.”
Of course many young students pick sexual health information from sources other than school — parents, peers, medical professionals, social media and pop culture. However, public schools are the best opportunity for adolescents access formal information. So what happens when that information isn’t regulated by the state? Teachers are left interpret vague legislative guidelines, meaning information might not be accurate or unbiased.
The chart below compares the legislative policies of 50 states, including how they mandate specific aspects of sex education like contraception, abstinence and sexual orientation.
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