so, which education REALLY works better?

Hey guys! Happy Easter! I hope everyone had a great one :)

Alright so, I have found some pretty awesome information about which sex ed program is really more effective, and I am excited to present to yall!

Abstinence Only:

There are very few actual peer review published studies avaliable about abstinence only education that show a big difference in teenagers sexual activity. So, right off the bat-- not a good sign! Now, abstinence only advocates would disagree and say that there are plenty of studies that show the positive effects of this type of sex education. However, FEW are peer review published studies; therefore, they are not very credible.

 For most of the studies done on abstinence only education the outcomes are not so good....one of the most rigorous studies done on abstinence only education measured the effectiveness of a Postponing Sexual Involvement curriculum in California. The students enrolled with this program were actually found to be more likely to become pregnant. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the program was not a reason for this....but that the program had NO impact on the sexual behavior of adolesecents (Kirby 100-108). Now, we want the sex education programs to have positive effects and lower the rates of teenage pregnancy and STD's... so if most of these abstinence only programs are not having any effects, I would not think they are beneficial.

Comprehensive Sex Education:


In contrast to the few and not-so-good outcomes of the studies done on abstinence only education, the studies on comprehensive sex education are much more promising. Abstinence only supporters say that comprehensive sex education promotes having sex. However, a study done by Emerging Answers claims, “A large body of evaluation research clearly shows that sex and HIV education programs included in this review do not increase sexual activity – they do not hasten the onset of sex, increase the frequency of sex, and do not increase the number of sexual partners. To the contrary, some sex and HIV education programs delay the onset of sex, reduce the frequency of sex, or reduce the number of sexual partners (Kirby).” So basically.... comprehenzive sex ed does not gives teenagers the idea that having sex is OK. It actually makes teenagers delay sex! SEVERAL studies done on comprehensive sex ed show delayed sexual activity, decreased numbers of sexual partners, and increased condom/contraceptive use.

Basically... the studies show that comprehensive sex education is the most effective sex ed for teenagers!

Sources:
Kirby D. Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; May 2001.

Kirby D, Korpi M, Barth RP, Cagampang HH. The Impact of the Postponing Sexual Involvement Curriculum Among Youths in California. Family Planning Perspectives.
1997;29(3):100-108.


Next time, we will explore more about this solution! Have a great night :)