The nation is divided on who should teach sex education to the children of America. Should it be the parents or should it be the teachers? Many parents believe they should teach their children about sex in order to ensure their values and ideas are ingrained in their children. They may want their children to understand no alternative but abstinence and that sex is only to be shared after marriage. By teaching their children themselves, many parents believe they are prot

ecting their children from, what the parents feel, is an “over sexed” society. But relying on the parents to teach the children often leaves significant gaps in the children’s understanding. This proves why qualified professionals are the best candidate for the teachings of sex education.

Parents shy away from the elements of sex that are difficult to discuss, and they may not be aware of current information on many topics. A study in Cleveland, Ohio, in the late 1970’s shows that fewer than 15% of the mothers and only 8% of fathers had felt comfortable enough and/or knowledgeable enough to discuss sex related topics with their children (Dickman 22). Relying solely on parents to provide education on sex leaves significant gaps in the students’ understanding. These gaps push students to look for answers to their questions from other sources.

While parents may believe they are protecting their children from the ills of society, relying solely on the parents to teach their children may lead to their children having a partial understanding of issues surrounding sex and leave their children still in need of knowledge.

An obvious cause for the gap in the students’ understanding of sex is that the birds-and-the-bees discussion may never take place. Students are often uncomfortable with approaching their parents with questions involving sex. They may fear what their parents may think. “If I start asking questions regarding sex, will my parents think I am considering having sex? Will they not trust me to go out with my friends?” This will lead the students to search for other, pos

Some topics in this essay:
Cleveland Ohio, , Relationships Ramsey, Reducing Risk, Atlanta Georgia, AIDS DeCarlo, Oakland California, York City, sex education, teach children, parents believe, children sex, teach sex, Adolescents School, teach sex education, program called, qualified professionals, relying solely parents, society relying, music magazines, parents teach children, graders help, believe protecting children, music magazines television,