BY JESSICA WEAVER
In 5th grade kids are first exposed to the strange concept of “the birds and the bees”. Then, throughout middle school, there are more advanced presentations that detail the consequences of unprotected sex. But for some reason, by the time student’s reach high school the only sex education they receive is a brief chapter in their 9th grade health class. Many feel high school students already understand the consequences of sex, but assuming students have heard “the talk” or remembered past discussions in middle school can be dangerous. Sexually transmitted diseases and unexpected pregnancies are on the rise among teens in high school and the reason seems to be the student’s lack of knowledge about contraception and safe sex. Although students in high school should be responsible, the influence of TV shows, other media and peer pressure affect their judgment. For these reasons, sex-education and access to contraception should be provided to high school students.
It takes constant reminders and real life situations to make teens realize the serious consequences of sexual activity. Even after watching slide shows showing gruesome pictures of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in middle school, by the time students enter high school they have forgotten those images and most of the other facts in those presentations. In fact, according to SADD.com, each year approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted diseases are contracted (almost half of them are among ages 15-24). With this sobering number you would think the dangers of unprotected sex would be discussed more in high school. However, topics such as the danger of texting or bullying have been presented to high school teens more frequently than safe sex.
As convenient as it would be, presenting teens with the consequences of their actions doesn’t always change their behavior. For those stubborn students who refuse to remain abstinent, schools should offer access to and information about contraception. Schools would not be promoting sex, rather they would be helping the 41% of teens that say they know little to nothing about condoms and the 75% that know nothing about the birth control pill. This lack of knowledge, according to TeenHelp.com, is the reason that four percent of teens have at least one pregnancy before they turn 20. Not only do most students not have knowledge about them, but they also do not feel comfortable getting condoms. Providing condoms or pamphlets explaining other forms of contraception in schools will help high school students get the guidance they need.
Every day teens watch TV shows, movies, and even commercials that sell sex. These shows create a subconscious message that influences teens. With sexual imagery infecting teen’s minds from an early age, it is hard to subvert that message with only a few lectures. According to Dr. Donald Shifrin, former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the media’s glamorized depiction of sex contributes to teen pregnancy by “encouraging teens to become sexually active early and promoting inconsistent use of contraceptives.” The school board needs help override the constant sexual messages placed in teen’s heads every day by providing sex education in high school.
School is one of the most influential factors in an adolescent’s life, as such, it is the school’s responsibility to educate and guide teens to make better and healthier choices for themselves and the people around them.
