Sex Education In Texas Public Schools

How sex education, or some might say lack thereof, is being taught in Texas public schools continues to be a major topic of debate, driven by high teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease and infection rates. Texas sex education curriculum follows an “abstinence-only-before-marriage” approach, and lacks a more comprehensive program to educate teens on disease and infection contraction, pregnancy, condoms, and other concerns which all youth have the right, and need, to know about. However, many are concerned that an in depth program will lead to higher STD and STI contractions, thinking a comprehensive curriculum will promote sexual activity among teens. The opposite is actually the truth. Other states with programs that expand beyond …show more content…
With current bills and city ordinances being pushed and passed to support the LGB agenda, it would seem as if it is getting much easier for gay, lesbian, and bisexual and questioning youth to find acceptance and seek out answers for questions they have in relation to sexual education in relation to their orientation. However, statistics show that lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning (LGBQ) youth are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Whether self-accepting of their sexual orientation or not (meaning they know for sure that they are attracted to the same sex or both genders), adolescence can be confusing and difficult to navigate even without the topic of sex, and even more difficult when sexual orientation is in question or if fear of rejection because of orientation is prevalent. Teaching comprehensive sexual education for youth could be crucial to saving the lives of LGBQ youth. By introducing active curriculum that engages teens in being conscious of their health, whether it be physical, mental, or sexual, schools can better bridge the gap that lies between students and their teachers and parents on the path of sexual education by showing them it is ok to talk about sex and ask questions without fear of judgement. This would lead to more openness among youth, especially LGBQ, to express concerns and questions they face day to day, making a difficult stage in life a little less trying. By taking some of the pressure off teens when it comes to understanding sex and varying options to promote a healthier life, schools could ease tension among students and faculty to build stronger trust, as well as student-to-student interaction. This could easily prevent many suicides and attempted suicides with youth understanding