With some further research, over 1,000,000 young adults in California contracted an STD in 2005. Although that percentage is much lower than 26%, it is still a very high number and California teaches a non-abstinence sexual education.
Another fact that the Washington Post threw into the article is that "Disease rates were significantly higher among black girls -- nearly half had at least one STD, vs. 20% among both whites and Mexican Americans." Even with the race card thrown in there, is an abstinence-only sexual education to blame?
7 comments:
I think that we don't have only abstinence only sex ed to blame, partly because it’s not the only sex ed we get. In school, sex ed in given in in 5, 7, and 9th grade. Yes, the teachers preach abstinence, but in classes, sex is talked about – hence, the education of contraceptives and such. I heard about this topic in the news this morning and it kind of shocked me. One of the two most popular STD’s they said teenage girls had was something that caused cervical cancer (if I remember correctly). I think that this new HPV vaccine will help diminish the number of that type of STD that causes cervical cancer. However, while this prevents a type of STD, I think that these high statistics will show how important it is to have safe sex. But even with the race card thrown in, I think high levels of STD’s have something to do with poverty and less education in general.
I was watching the news tonight, and a local station (CBS 5: http://cbs5.com/local/Fremont.sex.education.2.676878.html) did a story on Fremont public schools' only teaching abstinence in sex ed. Some teens are obviously going to have sex, so it's troubling that if they are having sex they won't be educated about it. Thankfully, after the reporter's investigation some schools will change.
Ziva's points are also very true :)
I think teaching abstinence-only sexual education is not the only thing to blame. Over the years I think there has been a trend towards being more open about sex and the media may be influential in portraying the image that sex is ok. For example, after young girls read about Jamie Lynn Spears getting pregnant (and deciding to have the baby) they may start to think having sex at a young age isn't that bad because you can easily deal with the consequences (have the baby or an abortion), yet many don't realize there are other more long-term consequences such as getting an STD. Also, TV shows and movies tend to avoid the negative consequences of having sex (getting an STD), so some girls may think the only consequence of sex is getting pregnant and not realize there are other consequences.
First of all this new statisitic is really scary. That number amounts to so many girls in our state. I dont think that the sex education in our state or nation is to blame. I agree with Angela, teens are going to have sex and whether they are taught abstinence only or not, they will make their own choices when the time comes. i think absstinence only education is risky becuase then girls dont have information to protect themselves if they make that decision. Other than the education, i think girls need to take more responsibility for their bodies. If they are going to make adult decisions, they need to take responsibility like an adult.
I, like many, am a product of society and entertainment. I am the last person to start blaming entertainment for the recent rise in STDs among teenage girls, but if the puzzle piece fits. If songs and TV and movies talk and promote sex, did we really think teenage girls were going to shun that behavior? No. So abstinence-only sex ed isnt the only problem. It is definetaly not helping, but girls should be warned and taught sex ed at an early age, before the entertainment business can corrupt them like it has our generation.
I just want to mention that all who commented are women. Aside from that, I too believe that we are a product of our society. Times are changing and maybe abstinence-only sex education isn't the way to go. The current leaders who can actually make a difference should see things from a youth's point of view (i.e. look at other sources of this influence: music, television, internet...)
Hello. I;m the first male to respond. I have a question before going on to my opinion. What are the male statistics? Is it greater or less than females overall? Now on to what I think. Humans are very sexual beings. Sex is a main part of peoples lives. however these statistics are shocking. I think it has little to do with sex educations. Its more society becoming more and more irresponsible. A woman and men can do their best to prevent STD's but these statistics are rediculous. 25%, I know its one in 4 and thus based on individuals, is just too much.
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