Reader comments
Should Utah revise sex ed?
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Tim | 6:25 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Abstinence should definitely be discussed in health class. But the
'c' word and other alternatives should also be discussed...which
isn't happening in certain districts in Utah. Realize that any kid going
to a public school is going to hear about all sorts of things from other kids,
and a responsible parent or a health teacher needs to be able to set the record
straight. Unfortunately, too many parents don't act responsibly,
aren't involved enough in their child's life, and then act surprised
when their kid becomes a parent...and the health teachers are told not to say
the 'c' word by the local school board.
Agki | 7:18 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
"If we can have a comprehensive approach with abstinence as the foundation
and provide medically reliable information about contraception we would be doing
the most we can to keep teens healthy."
Kids KNOW that abstinence prevents birth as well as STDs. The only abstinence program should be an opening sentence that says "If you don't want to get pregnant or get a sexually transmitted disease, don't have sex." After that, realize that teenagers are going to experiment with their bodies, their social positions, and everything else they are until they feel comfortable in what they are.
A sex education program that works to prevent these negative outcomes has to be completely open, frank, and even graphic. No dissembling about it. Recognize that sex should be a pleasurable and pair-bonding event and not a reason to go hide in the closet after you have done it the first time.
Kids KNOW that abstinence prevents birth as well as STDs. The only abstinence program should be an opening sentence that says "If you don't want to get pregnant or get a sexually transmitted disease, don't have sex." After that, realize that teenagers are going to experiment with their bodies, their social positions, and everything else they are until they feel comfortable in what they are.
A sex education program that works to prevent these negative outcomes has to be completely open, frank, and even graphic. No dissembling about it. Recognize that sex should be a pleasurable and pair-bonding event and not a reason to go hide in the closet after you have done it the first time.
Comments continue below
Look closer | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
As a health teacher, I am appalled at the scarcity of information that we are
allowed to impart to our students. Although I believe abstinence is the 100%
sure way to prevent pregnancy and STD's, we have to be realistic. Hormones
rage strong in these kids who have not got the maturity of brain or will power
to always make the right choices. Some will have the best intentions and slip
up. Others will rebel because they can. Others will cave to peer pressure.
"Just Say NO" doesn't work with drugs or sex. Knowledge is power.
Empower our students with knowledge and choices.
teacher | 8:37 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Our State does not properly teach sex ed, and the parents don't want the
state to teach it either. If there were no requirement to address it the
schools would not do so. Parents should shoulder the full responsibility of
teaching their children Sex ed, and not the schools. Actually, since the
schools aren't allowed to actually teach it, they already do. The message
that is out is no sex till married, and that has not been working. I will teach
my own the same thing with the added 'once you get married' and you
are to poor to afford children, this is how to delay children till you are
financially responsible parents.
But if parents don't want sex ed taught yet don't want teen pregnancy at a high rate, they should allow condom distribution laws to change. Condoms are completely invisible in the State so it shouldn't surprise anyone when young people don't use them.
But if parents don't want sex ed taught yet don't want teen pregnancy at a high rate, they should allow condom distribution laws to change. Condoms are completely invisible in the State so it shouldn't surprise anyone when young people don't use them.
Lets Do What Works | 8:52 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
It seems some people want to sex-ed to be based upon their religious teachings
or philosophy, and not science. Sex-ed should be based upon what experience
teaches us keeps disease and unwanted pregnancy the lowest. If this is
abstinence only then so be it. But if it is a comprehensive approach that
teaches abstinence and condoms then so be that. If it is a condoms only
approach, then so be that too. Lets do what works.
some kids want babies | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
The low highest pregnancy rates were in low income areas. How about reforming
welfare for teen-moms to discourage wanting to be a teen mom. This is taught
from generation to generation-how to live off the welfare system. There is a
reason why parents in low income places do not preach birth control use. They
are very much aware of birth control. The welfare programs offer very little
for single adults without kids. This means get the first kid early and the
government will help take care of you. How about requiring 12 hour days of
education in order to have any government assistance if you are under 18 with
child?
This State Is Crazy | 10:38 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Listen. Let's face it. No amount of preaching and no amount of
"abstinence-based" pseudo-education is going to stop teens from
screwing. Think back to puberty--yes, sex was all that you thought about.
Teens need to be taught about the birds and bees and contraception in school,
yearly, starting with 7th grade. Most parents here will do their best to keep
their children ignorant and pray that an "accident" doesn't
happen.
Less government | 10:55 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Such intensely personal and intimate matters should be left only to the parents
to discuss with their children. Government employees or social workers have no
right to impose their views on impressionable children, when the family is the
unit with the most long term interest in the outcome of such decisions. Get rid
of public sex education altogether, which more often invites children to abuse
the powers of procreation rather than to use them wisely.
SLCMD | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
The CDC website does have state specific numbers, and yes, the numbers for Utah
are up, although still well below the national average.
Use common sense | 11:19 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
To Less Government; Proper health information given in school health classes,
including sex education given in general terms, not religious rants or political
rants will improve the human way of life for all people now and in the future.
Thats what schools are about. Knowledge and information equal the ability to
make intelligent decissions.
Intensely personal and intimate improprietys would include discussing various "positions and or methods". No thinking person would want to do that anyhow. In order to think, we all need information.
Intensely personal and intimate improprietys would include discussing various "positions and or methods". No thinking person would want to do that anyhow. In order to think, we all need information.
Use Common Sense? | 11:47 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Use Common Sense:
As a parent I have both the responsiblity and the knowledge to teach my children in these matters. I certainly do not wnat clueless dullards like you influencing my children on such critical matters. Get out of my life.
As a parent I have both the responsiblity and the knowledge to teach my children in these matters. I certainly do not wnat clueless dullards like you influencing my children on such critical matters. Get out of my life.
Lynn Higginson | 11:58 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
It is impossible to separate one's views on sex from his religious or
non-religious belief system. If the legislature or the school board mandates
that this topic be addressed in public schools, it violates the establishment
clause of the constitution, which protects us from government mandated
indoctrination. The general rule must place responsibility on parents who may
or may not choose the assistance of their church. Perhaps, if parents had to
support unwed teen-age mothers and their babies, they would take this
responsibility more seriously.
Carl | 1:55 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Get real. Kids do and will have sex. Be frank and teach them the facts. Teens
will make up their own minds just like we did.
SG | 2:46 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
If I want my children to understand proper gun safety, I'm not going to
rely on someone else to teach them. I teach them myself so I know they've
been taught correctly. It's the same thing with sex-ed. Improper knowledge
about sex is just as dangerous as improper knowledge about guns. Parents should
shoulder the teaching themselves. They should also understand that no matter how
embarrassing they may find it, they are going to have to be up front about
everything and educate their children or someone else will and that someone else
may not teach them what the child needs to know to be properly informed and
educated. They may very well end up hurting themselves and others. Do you as
parents want the blame for that upon your shoulders?
truthmonger | 3:16 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
NO amount of teaching kids about condoms is going to stop them from having sex
either. And quite franky, will only increase kids interest in sex.
Sex education is not the proper providence of schools, but can only be properly be taught by parents.
The only thing that should be taught in health classes are about the deseases one can get. Teaching about condon use wiio only encourage kids because they will believe they will be safe.
Sex education is not the proper providence of schools, but can only be properly be taught by parents.
The only thing that should be taught in health classes are about the deseases one can get. Teaching about condon use wiio only encourage kids because they will believe they will be safe.
Parent's responsibility? | 4:06 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
It's a fine idea to think the parents should be the ones to teach their
children about sex and what is, and is not, healthy/smart.
How many parents actually do that? Mine didn't. All that "sex talk" amounted to for me was my dad telling me not to look at the one Playboy mag he had stashed away downstairs, and my mom told me she'd kill me if I did it before I was maried.
Most of my friends had their parents tell them what sex is, but nothing beyond that.
Again, it's a great concept to believe that parents will teach their kids the right way to deal with sex, but they don't. So the schools will continue to do so, and if they don't, then pop culture and the internet will teach kids about sex.
Wouldn't that be great?
How many parents actually do that? Mine didn't. All that "sex talk" amounted to for me was my dad telling me not to look at the one Playboy mag he had stashed away downstairs, and my mom told me she'd kill me if I did it before I was maried.
Most of my friends had their parents tell them what sex is, but nothing beyond that.
Again, it's a great concept to believe that parents will teach their kids the right way to deal with sex, but they don't. So the schools will continue to do so, and if they don't, then pop culture and the internet will teach kids about sex.
Wouldn't that be great?
Happy Medium | 4:27 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Let's be honest here...we all know that parents know about sex--that is how
they became parents in the first place. Not all parents know HOW to teach their
kids about sex, and not all parents even address the issue with their kids.
Teens need to know more than they are being taught ... this does not mean that they need all the explicit details from their high school teacher. I think that there are too many teens that are sexually active that obviously know how to have sex, but they do not know how to have safe sex and they do not know how reliable certain contraceptives are. Honestly, I don't think that many parents really know how reliable and safe the "safe sex" methods their teens are using actually are. (talk to any high-schooler and see what kids are doing to keep themselves from getting pregnant ... you would be amazed)
More definitely needs to be taught in the schools, but not everything.
Teens need to know more than they are being taught ... this does not mean that they need all the explicit details from their high school teacher. I think that there are too many teens that are sexually active that obviously know how to have sex, but they do not know how to have safe sex and they do not know how reliable certain contraceptives are. Honestly, I don't think that many parents really know how reliable and safe the "safe sex" methods their teens are using actually are. (talk to any high-schooler and see what kids are doing to keep themselves from getting pregnant ... you would be amazed)
More definitely needs to be taught in the schools, but not everything.
Karl | 4:39 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
For my brother and I, our good parents gave us a copy of Brother Packers
"Little Factorys" for our home sex education learning experience. Now
that was an eye opener.
Fact is: To many parents do not know how to properly address the sex issue. Properly explained in a setting that is set up by both parents and school personal, with rules, is the sure fire way to get the right information out there.
Fact is: To many parents do not know how to properly address the sex issue. Properly explained in a setting that is set up by both parents and school personal, with rules, is the sure fire way to get the right information out there.
Anonymous | 4:51 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
I think we have to decide which we hate the most, watching the upward trend in
teen pregnancies or teaching our kids how to prevent these unwanted pregnancies.
Abstinence is always best, but our kids are not immune to the sexualization of
our society. Sex is everywhere, and most of our kids no longer think
there's anything wrong with it! We're losing the battle, folks, and
compounding the problem by denying the information that sexually active teens
need is self-defeating. I speak from experience.
OutofStater | 6:07 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
I am from out of state and grew up in a town where the idea of "abstinence
only" was not taught. We learned about everything and I don't think
that anyone in my class really was thinking "let's go have sex
now!" It was more like okay I now know about condoms and birth control if I
so choose to go have sex. We were also taught about STDs and pregnancy so its
not like we were shown how to and that there weren't any consequences of
unprotected sex. I would also like to say that we were taught about how to
decide when it was the right time to have sex, and the thing that was always
pushed was "Wait until you are ready." My town was liberal, so what?
The teen pregnancy rates were not as high as Utah, and talking to people who
grew up here... they think it was ridiculous not to be taught. I think that it
will benefit teenagers how to have safe sex if they so choose. Isn't it
better that they know the safe way, then no way at all?
Charles H | 7:13 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
I wonder how many here with such strong opinions about what should be taught in
sex ed have actually bothered to read through the material, much less attended
such a class. I grew up in Utah and attended 1st through 12th grade here. Even
20 to 30 years ago in very rural and VERY LDS districts, sex ed was very
"comprehensive."
In grade school we learned about what changes puberty would bring to our bodies. By high school the sex ed portion of the health or physiology classes covered darn near all there was to know on the subject, medically SHORT of having demonstrations of how to use a condom or discussions of sodomy. We learned about the male and female reproductive system, the menstrual cycle with hormone changes, as well as covering how various forms of contraception worked along with their typical failure rates and failure modes. We also studied the transmission, symptoms, and effects of various STDs. And all misinformation aside, Utah is in the LOWEST 6 or 7 States for unwed pregnancy rates.
When Planned Parenthood talks of "comprehensive" sex ed, what they really mean is condom demonstrations and instruction on sodomy.
In grade school we learned about what changes puberty would bring to our bodies. By high school the sex ed portion of the health or physiology classes covered darn near all there was to know on the subject, medically SHORT of having demonstrations of how to use a condom or discussions of sodomy. We learned about the male and female reproductive system, the menstrual cycle with hormone changes, as well as covering how various forms of contraception worked along with their typical failure rates and failure modes. We also studied the transmission, symptoms, and effects of various STDs. And all misinformation aside, Utah is in the LOWEST 6 or 7 States for unwed pregnancy rates.
When Planned Parenthood talks of "comprehensive" sex ed, what they really mean is condom demonstrations and instruction on sodomy.
To Charles H. | 8:02 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Having been through a high school health class within the past two years I hate
to inform you that sex ed is definitely not what you had in high school. Our
teachers are not even allowed to say the word "condom" or mention any
form of birth control. Yes, we learn about the anatomy and are then told nothing
else. I have known several girls who have become pregnant partially due to this
lack of information.
Also, the article does not include misinformation. It does not say the entire state is above the national average, but rather certain areas.
Yet perhaps besides issues with sex ed, one of the biggest problems could be the societal pressures for young women to simply become baby factories. Maybe the culture should teach something other than that.
Also, the article does not include misinformation. It does not say the entire state is above the national average, but rather certain areas.
Yet perhaps besides issues with sex ed, one of the biggest problems could be the societal pressures for young women to simply become baby factories. Maybe the culture should teach something other than that.
Anonymous | 8:45 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
Kids aren't getting pregnant because they don't know what a condom is.
They watch TV.
We don't need to teach birth control in schools. Parents need to teach values and responsiblity in the home.
We don't need to teach birth control in schools. Parents need to teach values and responsiblity in the home.
Better sex ed | 9:10 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
As a parent you always have the ability to say no I do not want my child to
learn about sex in school. However not all parents want to teach about it at
home. My father tried to tell me about the birds and the bees when I was 17! I
had already had sex by this point in time, and am very fortunate that she did
not get pregnant.
Lets do a better job at educating our youth in this area!
Lets do a better job at educating our youth in this area!
Anonymous | 10:29 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
So the teen birthrate has gone up while the sex-ed program has remained the
same. Obviously, that means that the type of sex-ed program Utah has is
unrelated to the increasing pregnancy rates. Something else is going on?
Can we please talk about the real issue here? The underlying issue is demographics. Just look at the three places mentioned with the highest pregnancy rates: Rose Park, Glendale, central Ogden. Those 3 towns have the highest percentage of Latinos of any part of the state.
It is a fact that, for whatever reason, Latinos have higher teen birthrates. That means that as the Latino demographic surge continues we're gunna start seeing higher teen birthrates. And it's happening now because the first generation of post-amnesty babies and Bush/Clinton open borders has started to reach "that age" in large numbers.
Despite the whining of Planned Parenthood, Utah has long had one of the nation's lowest abortion rates, one of its lowest teen pregnancy rates, and THE lowest out-of-wedlock birthrate. Parents in Olympus Cove, Cottonwood Heights, and Draper have been doing a good job rasing their kids. It makes no sense to change things everywhere because of what's happening elsewhere.
Can we please talk about the real issue here? The underlying issue is demographics. Just look at the three places mentioned with the highest pregnancy rates: Rose Park, Glendale, central Ogden. Those 3 towns have the highest percentage of Latinos of any part of the state.
It is a fact that, for whatever reason, Latinos have higher teen birthrates. That means that as the Latino demographic surge continues we're gunna start seeing higher teen birthrates. And it's happening now because the first generation of post-amnesty babies and Bush/Clinton open borders has started to reach "that age" in large numbers.
Despite the whining of Planned Parenthood, Utah has long had one of the nation's lowest abortion rates, one of its lowest teen pregnancy rates, and THE lowest out-of-wedlock birthrate. Parents in Olympus Cove, Cottonwood Heights, and Draper have been doing a good job rasing their kids. It makes no sense to change things everywhere because of what's happening elsewhere.
Anonymous | 11:27 p.m. Dec. 9, 2007
"It is impossible to separate one's views on sex from his religious or
non-religious belief system. If the legislature or the school board mandates
that this topic be addressed in public schools, it violates the establishment
clause of the constitution"
I've always found it funny the way the ACLU/Planned Parenthood argues that you can't teach abstinence because that's like teaching religion. So therefore you HAVE to teach birth control.
So, turned on its head, if most religions taught that promiscuity was the way to go would schools only be allowed to teach abstinence?
I've always found it funny the way the ACLU/Planned Parenthood argues that you can't teach abstinence because that's like teaching religion. So therefore you HAVE to teach birth control.
So, turned on its head, if most religions taught that promiscuity was the way to go would schools only be allowed to teach abstinence?
Anonymous | 12:21 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
I remember learning pretty extensively about sex back in junior high in central
utah. We were presented with medical findings, etc., and it was all very
textbook: here's the information, use it or don't. That was only a few
years ago. Then in high school we were given another lesson regarding sex, and
this time the teacher had included a drop box for anonymous questions so that
our questions could be answered regarding some fairly explicit questions
regarding STDs, sexual activities themselves, etc. It was a very open and
simple approach.
I'm not sure how things are really taught in the salt lake valley though. I do support giving teens a chance by at least teaching them all options, because frankly some are going to "experiment" no matter what they're told.
Also, regarding leaving it up to parents to teach their children, a majority of parents won't even sit down and read books with their kids. How can we expect them to suddenly address this topic?
Peop
I'm not sure how things are really taught in the salt lake valley though. I do support giving teens a chance by at least teaching them all options, because frankly some are going to "experiment" no matter what they're told.
Also, regarding leaving it up to parents to teach their children, a majority of parents won't even sit down and read books with their kids. How can we expect them to suddenly address this topic?
Peop
Texas Mom | 12:22 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
It's that same old problem of "How do you get parents to parent?"
Utah isn't the only state to teach abstinence only. Texas has the same law but it is for the whole state. There are probably other states that have the same laws.
Abstinence can be taught effectively in the schools, but only if the teacher really believes in what he/she is teaching. There are a number of abstinence programs that are very good and that use peer support to for leverage.
Utah isn't the only state to teach abstinence only. Texas has the same law but it is for the whole state. There are probably other states that have the same laws.
Abstinence can be taught effectively in the schools, but only if the teacher really believes in what he/she is teaching. There are a number of abstinence programs that are very good and that use peer support to for leverage.
Teacher | 7:01 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
Truthmonger,
Your line of thinking certainly helped grow the AIDS outbreak into an epidemic. Pretending that condoms do not exist because mentioning them are going to cause kids to have sex is asinine. It also is going to increase pregnancy and disease because those who would have sex regardless will do so without condoms instead of with them.
As a teen even when I was off away from the opposite sex for three weeks things would cause me to think about it. I doubt children of today have any less hormones to influence them.
Your line of thinking certainly helped grow the AIDS outbreak into an epidemic. Pretending that condoms do not exist because mentioning them are going to cause kids to have sex is asinine. It also is going to increase pregnancy and disease because those who would have sex regardless will do so without condoms instead of with them.
As a teen even when I was off away from the opposite sex for three weeks things would cause me to think about it. I doubt children of today have any less hormones to influence them.
we could... | 8:25 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
We could "force" closed adoption of children born to teens under 18
years old. That would stop most underage marriage and provide a huge base, for a
while, of adoptable infants/children. Then the girls thinking "how cool it
is" to have a kid would stop. It isn't all about the religions in Utah
or the lack of "real" sex education; it is about the children having
babies AND their parents supporting it. It is expected that gang members have
children, but NOT get married. Trust me most teens know where babies come from;
in many cases it is intentional. Some girls are na�ve
because they believe their boyfriend really loves them and they will get
married� They DO know how and how not to get pregnant.
Anonymous | 10:50 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
Pay attention to the manipulation of data.
1. The national numbers are up 3%, not Utah's.
2. The three regions with the highest teen pregnancy rates also have exploding hispanic populations. Could this be merely a cultural artifact? Could this cultural demographic shift also explain the national downward trend suddenly reversing?
3. Data omitted: Utah still has the lowest national teen pregnancy rate in the nation by a very wide margin.
1. The national numbers are up 3%, not Utah's.
2. The three regions with the highest teen pregnancy rates also have exploding hispanic populations. Could this be merely a cultural artifact? Could this cultural demographic shift also explain the national downward trend suddenly reversing?
3. Data omitted: Utah still has the lowest national teen pregnancy rate in the nation by a very wide margin.
comprehensive, really? | 11:26 a.m. Dec. 10, 2007
Comprehensive sex education means teaching about abortion, homosexuality as
natural etc. Just go look at what happened in the Boulder Colorado High School
'mandatory' assembly when they had 'experts' come in to
teach the students.
A recent report came out saying that HIV/AIDS was still rising amongst the homosexual crowd. How much have we spent on educating about that issue? Billions. More than cancer and smoking which kill more people than AIDS. But don't offend those who want to be unnatural with their bodies and not live with the consequences.
Abortion is here because of people wanting to stop 'unwanted' pregnancies. don't want to be pregnant? Don't have sex!
Abstinence works 100% of the time. Don't have sex before marriage and complete fidelity after being married.
What amazes me is that in all aspects of our lives we are supposed to control ourselves; except in sex. No one can control that urge so let's teach kindergarten students about sex. You go California!
And thank you to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood for being on the cutting edge of stupidity.
A recent report came out saying that HIV/AIDS was still rising amongst the homosexual crowd. How much have we spent on educating about that issue? Billions. More than cancer and smoking which kill more people than AIDS. But don't offend those who want to be unnatural with their bodies and not live with the consequences.
Abortion is here because of people wanting to stop 'unwanted' pregnancies. don't want to be pregnant? Don't have sex!
Abstinence works 100% of the time. Don't have sex before marriage and complete fidelity after being married.
What amazes me is that in all aspects of our lives we are supposed to control ourselves; except in sex. No one can control that urge so let's teach kindergarten students about sex. You go California!
And thank you to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood for being on the cutting edge of stupidity.
Teacher | 10:10 p.m. Dec. 10, 2007
Row VS Wade was about a woman who was forcibly raped. While I feel the courts
went way beyond the scope of the case (effectively legislating from the bench),
I do feel that Abortion has its place in our society in such extreme cases like
rape, incest or threat to the mother's health.
Does Abortion need to be taught in the schools. Absolutely not. But we do need to teach the use of condoms and other contraception devices and do so in the least offensive way. I would prefer the once you are married and need to wait to have children these preventative methods help. They also reduce STDS as well.
Is there any reason why Condoms are hidden in this state? Even liquor seems easier than a condom for a teen to get a hold of, and that presents the problem.
Does Abortion need to be taught in the schools. Absolutely not. But we do need to teach the use of condoms and other contraception devices and do so in the least offensive way. I would prefer the once you are married and need to wait to have children these preventative methods help. They also reduce STDS as well.
Is there any reason why Condoms are hidden in this state? Even liquor seems easier than a condom for a teen to get a hold of, and that presents the problem.
FYI | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007
My son is in a Utah public school. He says in the sex education part of the
required yearly health class, he does learn all he
�needs� to know about "safe
sex", including the "C" word. I was a guest speaker 20 years ago
at a high school and was told not to use the word condom or talk about the
"act" (sex) itself. From his description of the things taught, we
should NOT be teaching more. He asked if some of those who posted here would
have students watch videos on the subject.
Many of the teen pregnancies are intentional. In some cases it is a social bonus, in other cases it provides the girl someone (the baby) who really loves her and needs her. Ask a teen. I asked several. I know one teen that had a baby and wants more, but never wants to get married. I also know a family with 5 children all of them had teen pregnancies. None are self sufficient. Only one child lives in an apartment with her current husband and they are on welfare. They are unable to care for their children. The rest live with their parents rent free.
Many of the teen pregnancies are intentional. In some cases it is a social bonus, in other cases it provides the girl someone (the baby) who really loves her and needs her. Ask a teen. I asked several. I know one teen that had a baby and wants more, but never wants to get married. I also know a family with 5 children all of them had teen pregnancies. None are self sufficient. Only one child lives in an apartment with her current husband and they are on welfare. They are unable to care for their children. The rest live with their parents rent free.
Lynn | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 11, 2007
Does anyone else become slightly nauseated every time "safe sex" is
recommended for unmarried teenagers? Didn't Jesus suggest that we worry
less about that which would destroy the body, and worry a lot more about that
which would destroy the soul? There is no "safe sex" for unmarried
teenagers! Such "safe sex" exposes the spiritually immature to
tremendous danger, harm, heartbreak, disappointment, despair, guilt, grief, and
loneliness. Furthermore, it wounds God.
Journalist-in-training | 4:36 p.m. Dec. 18, 2007
I think we should not shelter kids any longer from the truth. I am a teenager
and have recently taken a health class that discussed sex and briefly touched on
contraceptive rates. No, I do not think we should do anything to promote
teenagers my age and younger having sex. Abstinence is *definitely* the way to
go.
But I do think that LDS parents are bent on hiding the 'explicit knowledge that will ruin their virgin minds' or whatever from their kids. And that should not be the case! Adults need to talk to kids when they're young so that they will be prepared for middle/junior and high school.
When parents do talk to their children, it should be at a young age, should not be too uptight (I should know; all the kids who do these things have parents who are far too strict) but not too lenient, and should let their kids know that they can be a help without being too pushy. I'm comfortable with talking to my mom because she isn't too strict or too 'old-fashioned', and she's approachable.
Don't force anything on your kids, but don't shelter them either.
But I do think that LDS parents are bent on hiding the 'explicit knowledge that will ruin their virgin minds' or whatever from their kids. And that should not be the case! Adults need to talk to kids when they're young so that they will be prepared for middle/junior and high school.
When parents do talk to their children, it should be at a young age, should not be too uptight (I should know; all the kids who do these things have parents who are far too strict) but not too lenient, and should let their kids know that they can be a help without being too pushy. I'm comfortable with talking to my mom because she isn't too strict or too 'old-fashioned', and she's approachable.
Don't force anything on your kids, but don't shelter them either.
Schooled in Utah Valley | 12:08 p.m. May 31, 2008
It's interesting to hear the different comments about SE in different parts
of the state. We didn't have SE at my high school in Utah Valley. I took
an optional class: Anatomy & Physiology, where we talked a little about it,
but my teacher wasn't allowed to say the "C" word.
This was the extent of my human reproductive education: 5th Grade-Your body will go through changes (didn't really understand it), 7th Grade-STDs (but how do you get such horrible diseases?), 9th Grade-the consequences of teen pregnancy (but how do you get pregnant and how do you prevent it?), and then my optional science class in high school.
I figured things out eventually, but thank goodness I was an abstinence advocate (although totally clueless about everything anyway!).
When I was pregnant with my third child, I was shocked by the comment of a co-worker who had been married for about 6 months, "You mean there's only a certain time during the month you can get pregnant?"
Come on Utah, we can do better than this. My parents didn't discuss sex with me. I was devastated when I got my first period. It won't be that way for my children.
This was the extent of my human reproductive education: 5th Grade-Your body will go through changes (didn't really understand it), 7th Grade-STDs (but how do you get such horrible diseases?), 9th Grade-the consequences of teen pregnancy (but how do you get pregnant and how do you prevent it?), and then my optional science class in high school.
I figured things out eventually, but thank goodness I was an abstinence advocate (although totally clueless about everything anyway!).
When I was pregnant with my third child, I was shocked by the comment of a co-worker who had been married for about 6 months, "You mean there's only a certain time during the month you can get pregnant?"
Come on Utah, we can do better than this. My parents didn't discuss sex with me. I was devastated when I got my first period. It won't be that way for my children.
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We already have rogue drivers and sexual practitioners who show irresponsible handling in their daily lives, perhaps it's time to show a little respect for those who eventually could grow up with healthy attitudes toward both endeavors.