Knowing a lot about sexuality education, I have strong reactions to the new policy in New York to tecah sex ed in the schools. I know a lot about kids learning about sex rather NOT learning about sex -- having hosted the most popular radio call-in show for years on Z100 radio that was syndicated around the country (similar to Lovelines with Dr Drew), and having written many books about the topic, including Generation Sex (young people’s questions about sex) (http://www.drjudy.com/generation-sex/) and a 4-volume set called “Sex Education: Past Present and Future.” (http://www.abc-clio.com/product.aspx?id=54439
My important points about the new sex education policy:
1. Incorporating sex education in the schools is a very positive move especially in light of the fact that kids do not talk about sex at home, that studies show they learn mostly from media and from friends, with the latter leading them to not only MISleading information but also to peer pressure to be sexual.
2.Critics say that talking about sex makes kids go out and do it. Dr Judy sown studies as well as research by other experts have shown this is not true. In fact, the opposite is the case: that sex education helps kids to resist early sex, and if they do have sex, they are more careful about with whom and about practicing safer sex.
3.Classes about sex education of course have to be age- appropriate.
4.The new sex policy us careful to avoid controversial issues, like not showing how to put condoms on, but just describing the process, and providing an option for teens to find out more information privately
5.Parents should be offered sexuality education! This used to be available from Planned Parenthood but lack of funding dried these programs up. Now that kids will be learning in school, parents need to learn too, since they are often ignorant about issues and need guidance about how to answer kids questions.
6.The best sex education is "comprehensive" and includes information about love and relationships as well as sexuality and body functioning