“According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 40,000 to 80,000 new cases of HIV are reported each year in the U.S. It is estimated that half of all new infections are among people younger than 25” (quoted in Statistics). There have been many debates over this topic. When is the right time to talk about sex and would it make them more curious? Children are already curious about their bodies; the goal is to make sure they are safe overall. To prevent young adolescents from contracting diseases or experiencing teen pregnancy, sex education should be mandated in public schools. When comprehensive sex education is taught throughout the school, teens are more aware of the consequences of sex. The basic science of sex should not only be discussed but also how to protect yourself. More importantly, sex …show more content…
Abstinence-only classes are not as effective as comprehensive sex education classes because most students only hear the fact that condoms are not 100% effective. Therefore, they use condoms less often, which in turn can lead to diseases and pregnancy. Comprehensive sex education throughout public school can show students how to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy. Sexual activity among teens cannot be eliminated, but a difference can be made by implementing sex education as a required curriculum in public schools as early as elementary school. The sex education classes can take the place of parents who do not know how to communicate with their children or are not around enough to keep them on the right path. With these preventative steps intact, students are more than likely to refrain from sex, and when they encounter sex, they will know how to protect