The case for abstinence-centered sex ed

May 4, 2010 by admin

Dan Bailey
The Dallas Morning News

02:26 PM CDT on Friday, April 30, 2010

Why is there so much confusion and political ideology surrounding school programs that help teens build the life skills needed to avoid pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional pain associated with teen sexual activity? Ordinary thinking would lead one to believe that this message would have bipartisan support, but the reality is that these abstinence-centered programs are increasingly demonized today.

Given that May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, it's a good time to take a fresh look at the facts about sex education. Is abstinence education really failing our children?

Since these programs began in the early 1990s, the teen pregnancy rate nationwide has dropped 35 percent, while the number of teens who say they have not had sex has increased from 46 percent to 52 percent. Earlier this year, the University of Pennsylvania completed research that looked at four sex-education programs, and abstinence education was the only model to result in positive changes in teen sexual activity.

The problem is not in the approach but in the public's perception of the approach. Abstinence-centered education isn't focused on teaching 200 ways to say "no." It's about helping youths develop the life skills and abilities to successfully maneuver through a media-driven culture that bombards teens with messages telling them that teen sexual activity is fun, safe and expected. These positive risk-avoidance programs also work to strengthen the relationship of parents and teens through parent-education programs.

Abstinence education also gives information about contraception when the schools request it, but it does not demonstrate or promote contraception. The philosophy focuses on prevention and risk avoidance, which is consistent with our message to teens about drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Schools don't tell teens, "We know many of you will drink and drive, so make sure you wear a seat belt!" or "Because studies show that some of you will smoke, we have installed cigarette machines in the cafeteria with safer filtered cigarettes."

No, we tell them to avoid these destructive behaviors for better health and a better future. Why would we want to compromise when it comes to sex education?

Experience and research show that both teens and their parents respond positively to abstinence programs. When given the philosophies and goals of comprehensive sex education vs. abstinence education, parents preferred abstinence programs 2 to 1 in a recent Zogby poll. This approach aligns with parents' goals for their children, as well as with teens' aspirations for their own future.

Don't buy into the media mantra that "abstinence doesn't work." Decide if abstinence-centered programs reflect your community's values. Then support those messages throughout the community – in schools, homes, youth organizations and faith settings. Change our nation's youth culture and prevent teen pregnancy, beginning with your local community.

Dan Bailey is chairman of the board of the National Abstinence Education Association and the executive director of Just Say YES – Youth Equipped to Succeed.

His e-mail address is DBailey@JustSayYes.org.

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