Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't updated in the last few days. I was busy with tests, I still have one for chemistry but I need a break from studying for now! So, I thought I would update this...
Today I would like to talk about implenting comprehensive sex education.
We will start with the basics...
First of all it will need government funding if it is going to be taught in public schools. So basically, if you support this kind of sex education then let your voice be heard. Tell your local school system, email your represenatives, etc.
This year President Obama is shifting the funding from abstinence only education, which has been heavily funded since 2001, to pregnancy prevention programs. According to the Office of Management and Budget, abstinence only programs received $1.3 billion from 2001 to 2009..but this type of sex education has not proven that it actually is effective. This new budget gives $178 million dollars to pregnancy prevention programs, including $110 million for community based programs. 75% is going to programs that have been proven to be effective. 25% will go to new innovative programs, which means the president is open to abstinence only education if it can be proved to be successful.
So, as a country, we are headed in the right direction with more money being put into comprehensive sex education.
In later posts, we will discuss a little bit more on how to implement comprehensive sex education!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Crazy stuff...
So, I am going to be really quick tonight because unfornately I have statistics homework and who knows how long that is going to take! But I found some interesting stuff about why abstinence only education is not effective. Some abstinence only programs give inaccurate information about contraceptives...
Peggy Papsdorf, who is a coordinator for Plain Truth for Washington (a group that promotes comprehensive sex ed) witnessed a lecture by an abstinence only instructor. She claimed that in this lecture the instructor taught many outrageous ideas. Some of them were that birth control pills make you TEN times more likely to die, condoms are unsafe, boys are unaffected by premarital sex while girls suffer for LIFE, and that noone has premarital sex without paying a price.
Now, I think everyone can agree that these statements are highly exagerrated. But also.. the ones about contraceptives being unsafe and ineffective are untrue and also HARMFUL.
Why?
Because 2/3 of people below the age of 18 are sexually active. And if this is the information they are receiving, then they are probably not going to use birth control or condoms, which is leading to our big increase in teenage pregnancy rates.
Yes, abstinence should be taught.... but it should DEFINITELY be backed up with ACCURATE information on birth control and condoms for the teenagers who do not practice abstinence.
So, yes, comprehensive sex education is the way to go :)
Now.. I know I have talked enough about why comprehensive sex education is the best. So how can be go about implenting this approach? Next time you'll find out.. just hang in there because tonight I have a date with statistics that I am not looking forward to!
Talk to you soon!
Peggy Papsdorf, who is a coordinator for Plain Truth for Washington (a group that promotes comprehensive sex ed) witnessed a lecture by an abstinence only instructor. She claimed that in this lecture the instructor taught many outrageous ideas. Some of them were that birth control pills make you TEN times more likely to die, condoms are unsafe, boys are unaffected by premarital sex while girls suffer for LIFE, and that noone has premarital sex without paying a price.
Now, I think everyone can agree that these statements are highly exagerrated. But also.. the ones about contraceptives being unsafe and ineffective are untrue and also HARMFUL.
Why?
Because 2/3 of people below the age of 18 are sexually active. And if this is the information they are receiving, then they are probably not going to use birth control or condoms, which is leading to our big increase in teenage pregnancy rates.
Yes, abstinence should be taught.... but it should DEFINITELY be backed up with ACCURATE information on birth control and condoms for the teenagers who do not practice abstinence.
So, yes, comprehensive sex education is the way to go :)
Now.. I know I have talked enough about why comprehensive sex education is the best. So how can be go about implenting this approach? Next time you'll find out.. just hang in there because tonight I have a date with statistics that I am not looking forward to!
Talk to you soon!
Abstinence only education= JUST CONFUSING!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Videos :)
Here are some great videos about sex education and the controversy between abstinence only and comprehensive sex education.
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 :)
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 :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Today's topic... Sex Education
Hi everyone! Since I have explained what causes teenage pregnancy and why it is a problem, I would now like to elaborate on a solution that I feel would be the most effective. As you can see, I definitely feel that proper sex education is the best solution. Now, I know this subject can be controversial between abstinence only and comprehensive sex education.
However, I believe comprehensive sex ed is best. Basically, comprehensive sex education promotes abstinence, but also acknowledges the fact that many teenagers are or will become sexually active & it gives the facts on how to prevent pregnancy and STD's.
Let me break this down for you:
ABSTINENCE ONLY EDUCATION: This type of sex education promotes and teaches abstinence. It does NOT acknowledge that many teenagers are or will become sexually active. It does NOT teach about contraceptives or condom use. It teaches that only abstinence will prevent pregnancy.
COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION: This type of sex education promotes abstinence, but also realizes tht abstinence does not work for everyone and that many teenagers engage in sexual activity. Therefore, it provides information about contraception and condom use.
So, basically comprehensive sex ed. is the best of both worlds. It teaches and promotes abstinence but does ignore the needs of the teeanger who engage in sexual activity.
Parents even want more of a comprehensive sex education approach for their children.
85% of parents say they want their children to be taught how to use a condom & 84% want their children to learn how to used contraceptives and where to get birth control.
In my opinion, abstinence only education only confuses the teenagers who are or will become sexually active because it clearly teaches that abstinence is the ONLY way to prevent pregnancy. It does not acknowledge the effectiveness of condoms or birth control. So, these teenagers are not properly educated and not fully protected when they decide to have sex. Like I said, abstinence is a great idea but of course it does not work for everyone...so why only teach that?
Next time, we will look more at the statistics about which sex education program is actually more effective !
Until then, I would love to hear feedback about what everyone thinks!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Societal Costs of teenage pregnancy
Hi Guys! I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!
In the last few posts, I have been describing the why teenage pregnancy is a problem for the teenage mother and baby…. But are they the only people that all teenage pregnancy affects? No, they are not! It actually affects the whole society.
Let me explain how it affects the society…
Almost half of all teenage mothers end up going on welfare within five years after giving birth (Hoffman and Maynard 359). Since many teenage mothers do not complete a high school education and may end up relying on welfare, the society as a whole has to make up for their lack of funds. Societal cost of teenage parenthood ranges from nine to twenty nine billion annually. So, basically some of people’s tax money goes to teenage pregnancy.
As the level of education decreases, the level of productivity in our society decreases as well. Honestly, teenage pregnancy is just not good for anyone! It affects not only those directly involved like the mother and child, but the society too!
To sum it all up, teenage pregnancy really is a problem in the United States.
And there are ways that teen pregnancy can be prevented. A few of them might be better safe sex education programs, easier access to contraceptives, and less sexual content in the media. Teenagers also need to be informed about the reality of pregnancy.
Next time, we are going to start exploring the solution that I believe will be the best!
Until then, take it easy!
Source:
Hoffman, Saul, and Rebecca Maynard, eds. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 2008. Print.
In the last few posts, I have been describing the why teenage pregnancy is a problem for the teenage mother and baby…. But are they the only people that all teenage pregnancy affects? No, they are not! It actually affects the whole society.
Let me explain how it affects the society…
Almost half of all teenage mothers end up going on welfare within five years after giving birth (Hoffman and Maynard 359). Since many teenage mothers do not complete a high school education and may end up relying on welfare, the society as a whole has to make up for their lack of funds. Societal cost of teenage parenthood ranges from nine to twenty nine billion annually. So, basically some of people’s tax money goes to teenage pregnancy.
As the level of education decreases, the level of productivity in our society decreases as well. Honestly, teenage pregnancy is just not good for anyone! It affects not only those directly involved like the mother and child, but the society too!
To sum it all up, teenage pregnancy really is a problem in the United States.
And there are ways that teen pregnancy can be prevented. A few of them might be better safe sex education programs, easier access to contraceptives, and less sexual content in the media. Teenagers also need to be informed about the reality of pregnancy.
Next time, we are going to start exploring the solution that I believe will be the best!
Until then, take it easy!
Source:
Hoffman, Saul, and Rebecca Maynard, eds. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 2008. Print.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Lasting consequences of teenage pregnancy
Hi guys! I hope everyone is having a great day—the weather here is beautiful!!
In this post, I am going to talk more about the reasons why teenage pregnancy is really a problem! In the last post, we talked about the health risks. So, now I am going to explain the OTHER risks.
There are many long lasting consequences that follow the teenage mother and child throughout their lives. One of these consequences is POVERTY. This is due to the fact that many pregnant teenagers do not finish high school and even fewer go on to college. So, pretty much they have limited job skills later in life. This makes it harder for them to get a well-paying job (Hoffman and Maynard 163). .
Children born to teenage mothers have also been known to be at a disadvantage in school. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, these children are up to fifty percent more likely to repeat a grade level or drop out of high school!!
In addition to all of this, the daughters of teenage parents are more likely to become teenage mothers & the sons of teenage parents are more likely to go to prison than those born to older parents.
This information blows my mind, pretty much. I just think it is so crazy! You’re probably thinking “wow…teenage pregnancy really is a problem!!” ………But I’m not done quite yet! My next post is still going to have even MORE reasons why teenage pregnancy is a problem! But for now….I am going to enjoy the beautiful weather! Bye guys!
Source:
Hoffman, Saul, and Rebecca Maynard, eds. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 2008. Print.
In this post, I am going to talk more about the reasons why teenage pregnancy is really a problem! In the last post, we talked about the health risks. So, now I am going to explain the OTHER risks.
There are many long lasting consequences that follow the teenage mother and child throughout their lives. One of these consequences is POVERTY. This is due to the fact that many pregnant teenagers do not finish high school and even fewer go on to college. So, pretty much they have limited job skills later in life. This makes it harder for them to get a well-paying job (Hoffman and Maynard 163). .
Children born to teenage mothers have also been known to be at a disadvantage in school. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, these children are up to fifty percent more likely to repeat a grade level or drop out of high school!!
In addition to all of this, the daughters of teenage parents are more likely to become teenage mothers & the sons of teenage parents are more likely to go to prison than those born to older parents.
This information blows my mind, pretty much. I just think it is so crazy! You’re probably thinking “wow…teenage pregnancy really is a problem!!” ………But I’m not done quite yet! My next post is still going to have even MORE reasons why teenage pregnancy is a problem! But for now….I am going to enjoy the beautiful weather! Bye guys!
Source:
Hoffman, Saul, and Rebecca Maynard, eds. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute, 2008. Print.
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