Sex Education and Birth Control (Consequence Video)

I began this research study hoping to compare two different states, that had different approaches on sex education, and conclude with my opinion on the results . First I began to think about the initial experiences I had with sex education. What age? What grade? Where I lived? As my memory of these times began to come back, I remembered my first experience with a sex education class was in third grade, which is around ten years of age. This first education class was held in Elementary School, in Abilene Texas. The second class experienced was not until three years after I moved to South Carolina. This class was held in the seventh grade, middle school, which ranges from the ages twelve to thirteen.

I initially thought the early education experienced in Texas would prove a lower teen pregnancy and STD rate than South Carolinas’ later education. Boy was I wrong! Not only does Texas statistics show the state to be third in the nation for teen pregnancies, it included Dallas as the number one city with multiple teenage pregnancies

Sex Education is a Must

Elementary School

Both of the classes tried to combine the teaching of abstinence and safe sex, but strongly favored and focused on abstinence, leaving little infancies on safe sex. Unfortunately due to technology, television, and a lack of moral standards, the introduction of sex is coming up very early. Kids are aware of so much more than their parents believe them to be. Due to this, sex education is a must. If our educators do not hold classes on these issues, providing proper and tasteful information, the wrong education will eventually be provided by their peers.

Not only is sex ed. a must, it should be provided early on. Introducing the class in the seventh grade is too late! If statistics show pregnancy at the ages of twelve and thirteen, this should be an indicator that knowledge is need. Providing classes at an earlier age would allow time for questions, before too much of a curiosity on the subject arises.

Although Texas stats are high in both STD and teenage pregnancy, I do believe their decision to start classes in third grade is headed in the right direction. This is a great age to start the basics. The basics meaning, teaching girls about a monthly cycle, what to expect, and providing the knowledge that once this happens “you can get pregnant”. Furthers education should be provided around fifth grade. This class should provide the information that is now taught in seventh grade, which includes; the promotion of abstinence, but the introduction of basic contraceptives. The class should also introduce the birthing video and the anatomy overview of the body.

Middle School

By the time seventh grade rolls around, sex ed. should be considered one of the highest priorities by all education providers and parents. Those few parents who do not allow their children to participate in the class should be asked to attend a meeting with a guidance consoler, so he/she may explain certain ideas or thoughts their child could be experiencing. Unfortunately the parents who do not allow their children to participate in the sex ed. classes, believe their child is too young or may fill that the issue of “sex” is far away. A meeting with the guidance councilor should provide factual information, with regards to “opening their eyes”.

The classes in seventh grade should promote abstinence, but not focus on it. Educators are trying to teach kids in their “most rebellious stage” not to have sex. Instead of focusing on abstinence, focus on scare tactics. Show pictures of STDS along with the high rate of infected teens and adults in their area, so that they can see this is real.

High School

Instead of stopping sex education at this age, continue throughout high school. By the time ninth grade comes, sex education should be promoting and discussing the different options of birth control, not withholding classes or limiting them to traditional methods. Explain the IUD;

Although I am going to explain several methods of birth control, not all of them prevent the dangers of STD's and Aids. One mistake, one night, one time, you may choose to go far with a crush, a popular guy, or even a one night stand and that one night will sentence the rest of your life. Remember, Aids and STD's do not initially display infection of the face.

WARNING: A brief flash @ the end that may only be suitable for 18yrs +

 

Birth Control

The IUD is a small, T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types available in the United States: the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD. One unpositive fact, is the IUD does not protect against STD’s. The hormonal IUD can be placed, even if a young female is not sexually active at the time. The method is warranted for 5 years, chances are likely during this time frame that sex be a possibility.

Until or if sexual activity happens, the hormonal IUD provides women, to often have less menstrual pain and bleeding. Some women using hormonal IUDs stop having periods altogether, which could be a plus, especially for an active teenage girl. I can honestly say; what would it hurt to provide every fourteen year old girl with this method? The biggest protest would be, as American, we hate being told what to do. When something is forced upon us, we protest rights, even if it means a better outcome, a current example is Governor Rick Perry’s requirement that has made Texas the” first state to require that schoolgirls get vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer”

Another method that should be introduced in the class is an emergency method called Plan B. Plan B is a prescription of two pills, like birth control pills, that are taken 12 hours apart. You need to take them within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. They are 75–89% effective at preventing pregnancy. Plan B usually works by preventing ovulation. It will not work if you are already pregnant and will not affect a pregnancy that has started. Women ages 18 years or older can purchase Plan B in pharmacies without a prescription. Girls younger than 18 years that need Plan B, have to be provided with a prescription. Some doctors will give an advance prescription for Plan B. This way, you will have it on hand if needed. The sooner the treatment begins the more effective it is.

While researching this subject, I found that South Carolina is huge on the prevention of teenage pregnancy promoted through safe sex, while Texas seemed to focus only on STD’s. South Carolina has endless events planned on safe sex that our local high schools should be taking advantage of. Presenting teens with events that are held by those not much older than themselves, would likely show result, in a way that is not, by the average teacher.

We have many wonderful programs at our disposal, why aren’t these events being incorporated into our high schools? Taking a field trip to USC would supply much more needed information than another trip to the Charleston battery. The promotion of prevention is done in an academic way through the creative ways such as; poetry “literature”, artwork “art”, and personal stories “which could be sociology and/or psychology” depending on how it’s discussed, meaning schools wouldn’t be slacking with the basics. USC students travel the country for a short period providing information and activities on prevention. The college is only an hour away from our local high school students and I have yet to hear of a school taking the opportunity to introduce this to our teens.

This year, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, presents an 8th annual Teen Expressions Contest. The contest is designed for teens, which encourages young people to creatively express how teen pregnancy and other issues affect their lives. This year's theme “I Am A Teen, Is there an App for that?” this allows teens to showcase their talents and have their voices heard throughout the state.

This campaign is held in March, but USC has a monthly event dedicated to this area of prevention. I believe USC is taking the right step toward sex education and the awareness that is needed. Now if our public school s and those on the board of education would wake up, they could learn from USC. Although it’s great a college is taking the time and effort to provide such a great campaign, this has to start and become a priority in grades much lower to truly work.

Basically

Sex ed. is a must

Start earlier

Continue through 12^th grade

By 7^th grade scare tactics are needed

9^th concentrate on contraceptives more than abstinence

Use what is already there and get students involved