Sex education refers to “an age-appropriate, culturally relevant approach to teaching about sex and relationships by providing scientifically accurate, realistic, non-judgmental information”. It teaches about the reproductive system, the dangers of STI’s, physiology, relationships, and more. It’s generally very factual, but the insinuated messages and the way it is taught can be very harmful and counterproductive. We’ve grown and changed as a society, but our sex education hasn’t. The current course is hetero-normative and judgmental, and needs to be reformed. 

Sex education affects our population as a whole. The requirements for it vary by state, but overall, it’s generally required. Sex education, if taught properly, can improve a student’s sexual health and overall quality of life. It can GREATLY affect someone’s life though if taught incorrectly, because they risk an unwanted pregnancy or life changing disease.

Today’s sex education programs take on a “taboo” perspective on pre-marital sex. Not only that, but sex education is extremely hetero- normative; very few programs mention anything dealing with same-sex relationships and intercourse safety. With the current state of our society, it’s clear that heterosexual relationships and not the only couplings that exist. Also, unwanted pregnancies, sexual violence, and STI’s are still a massive problem in our country, showing that the abstinence method isn’t working, and we need to take a new and more accepting approach.

One possible step in the right direction for reforming sex education could be making programs switch to a more comprehensive approach. This strategy does teach abstinence, but doesn’t stress it as the only solution to a healthy life. It also puts importance on birth control, safe sex, red flags in relationships, etc. It doesn’t shame having sex and having a body, but rather teaches you how to be responsible with it. Also, federally mandating a comprehensive, across the board program could help the disparities we see between reluctant and progressive states. An overall big shift we need to make though, is getting rid of the “taboo” and stigma surrounding teenagers and sex. 

By bringing attention to this issue, I hope to start and encourage the conversation for reforming and correcting sex education and its flaws.