Should Sex Education Be Taught In Schools

Should sex education be a subject to be taught in American students? The debate on whether sex education should be a major subject in American schools has maintained the same level of intensity as when it first became an issue in the early 60’s (Carter, 15). With both the opponents and the proponents of the issue taking hard stance and unflinching positions on the issue, it is important to take a look at an issue that is threatening to divide the nation’s education system. In fact by 2012, out of the 50 states that make up the US, 22 states have made it a mandatory for sex education to be undertaken by their students (Carter, 15). Why are the other states reluctant on enforcing sexual education in classes? Shouldn’t it be otherwise considering the risks that we are putting our children it without empowering them with knowledge on sex. Furthermore, considering the rising number of teenage pregnancy

Over the years, cases of teenage pregnancy have been on the rise and it is imperative to initiate measures through which the issue can be reduced if not eliminated. Statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control for the year 2009 pointed out that nearly 400,000 teenage girls that were aged between 15 and 19 gave birth (Carter, 15). The increase in teenage pregnancy has been blamed on the increase in sexual activities among the teens and with little information, these teens end up not protecting themselves. Sex education has been pointed as one of the ways through which teenage pregnancy can be curbed. Through sex education, teenagers can be taught the consequences of sex if not practiced safely (Beh & Diamond). Sexual education provides various ways through which teenagers can protect themselves from pregnancy. For instance, teenagers can be taught the various contraceptive methods that aid in preventing pregnancy just in case they decide to have