Describe an effective sex education program. What key elements should be included?
What will be an ideal response?
Sex education must provide factual information but also help teenagers build a bridge between what they know and what they do. Too often, sex education courses are given late (after sexual activity has begun), last only a few sessions, and are limited to a catalog of facts about anatomy and reproduction. Sex education that goes beyond this minimum does not encourage early sex, as some opponents claim. It does improve awareness of sexual facts-knowledge that is necessary for responsible behavior. Knowledge, however, is not enough. Effective sex education programs combine several key elements:
- They teach techniques for handling sexual situations-including communication skills for avoiding risky sexual behaviors and improving contraceptive use-through role-playing and other activities in which young people practice those behaviors.
- They deliver clear, accurate messages that are appropriate in view of participating adolescents' culture and sexual experiences.
- They last long enough to have an impact.
- They provide specific information about contraceptives and ready access to them.
Many studies show that sex education that includes these components can delay the initiation of sexual activity, increase contraceptive use, and reduce pregnancy rates.
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