Fake babies?

[sisterofmercy]

We don't really do that over here, or at least not where I'm from anyway. As far as sex education goes it's never been that great (which you can probably see through our teenage pregnancy rates, think the UK is one of the highest in Europe). We had lessons on STI's and pregnancy but it didn't really touch on the emotional and financial implications of it all. So yeah I think something like that would be a great idea. I'm glad I didn't have to do it though, I hate children so I'd probably throw my egg against a wall 😛

I think sex education should teach all aspects of safe sex (including abstinence though that shouldn't be forced), it's always better to have more knowledge than less should you ever need to use it.

 

[Gum Gnome33]

arabella agrees: While I support programs that present objective info on both, the adolescent brain doesnt compute risk/benefit info very well bc the prefrontal lobe is underdeveloped so stats and scare tactics don't really work

Wow, interesting! Well, even more reason to give 'em all condoms, then!

it's become obvius that abstinence-only education only leads to rises in teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and more fun ways for kids to f*ck up their lives before they've barely begun.

Exactly. I think part of the problem with abstinence education as it exists is that it pretends that there is no alternative. It relies too much on the assumption that it will be effective.
But based on my own experience, those of my friends, and what statistics seem to show, teens have sex anyway. Certainly better abstinence education would be wonderful. Talking to kids, reasoning with them, etc. But who knows how effective it'd be? Back then, I just remember that there was so much pressure, for us girls. It wasn't even as much about curiosity as it was about fear that you'd lose your reputation/significant other, if you didn't. It's ridiculous, I know. But when you're just trying to figure yourself out it's so hard to take a firm stance, and keep it up for so long. And from what I recall, for the boys, it was like the most important thing in the world to them. I guess that's why I think the best thing to do is assume it's going to happen and give them all the information they need to stay safe physically, if not emotionally. Maybe that's a bit of a defeatist attitude?

 

[arabella]

Yep, I'm all for encouraging abstinence... In fact, that was encouraged to me as a child. I also learned about STIs and how to use a condom Properly in the event that I decided to have sex. I think that the most important thing anyone told me about sex was the emotional consequences of sharing a piece of myself with someone. I wasnt scared out o sex, I was prepared for it and encouraged to wait because my body and heart were worth waiting. I guess that, and knowing from neuroanatomy how hard it is for adolescents to weigh risk/ benefits, that I'm a fan of teaching abstinence AND how to protect yourself when you decide you're ready. 🙂