Today, children will most likely learn about sex in some way besides the classroom, and this limited knowledge about sex may continue until they learn the facts in sex education classes. Burnett writes that "schools . . . begin to teach pupils about condoms in Grade [sic] 7 and 8. . . . " By the time preteens reach grades seven and eight, they are at least twelve years old. Many will know

While birth control and condoms are reasonably effective ways of controlling disease and pregnancy, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent both. "Current curriculum . . . stresses abstinence is the only real disease prevention" (Bailey). While Bailey's statement is true, it is also very important that condom use and other birth control practices be discussed. It is foolish to limit the students' options to abstinence or having sex without knowing how to protect themselves. In order to know, one must be taught. Teaching abstinence as the safest possible avoidance of disease and pregnancy, along with the less safe option of birth control, should be the basis of all sex education courses.

Some may argue that all sex education should be the responsibility of parents. Other's say that "other means of prevention should be taught at home" and only abstinence be stressed in school (Bailey). While this would be the most preferable option because religious beliefs and moral values would pass directly from parent to child, it is impossible to say that all parents can or will talk to their children so candidly. Most teenagers cannot speak t

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Introduction Sex, Bailey Bailey's, Conclusion Sex, sex education, birth control, sex education taught, learn sex, education taught, abstinence safest, disease pregnancy,
Approximate Word count = 776
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)