Comprehensive sex education covers a multitude of topics and can help reduce rates of sexually transmitted infections, teen pregnancy, and reduces abuse, as well as sexual violence; it promotes healthy relationships. Currently, there is not any federal funding for schools to offer this comprehensive class, but it is desperately needed. 

The Guttmacher Research Institute has reported 57% of youth have had a sexual encounter before graduating high school. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019, whose sample was high school students in a dating relationship, 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence and 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to experience: depression and anxiety symptoms, engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting, and contemplate suicide. Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life

Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce teen dating violence and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Implementing a Comprehensive Sex Education curriculum nationally would reduce the number of adolescents experiencing dating violence, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, and teen pregnancy, among other improvements. By signing this petition, you show dedication to our youth's brighter future.