Comments about ‘Hearings to get parent input on sex ed’

"The PTA is committed to working with other groups and coming up with better ways to educate parents," Zentner said. "Sex education needs to happen in the home. I don't feel school is the best place for sex education."

This attitude is one reason why the best Sex ed classroom is in the backseat of a car. It is often unavailable from the home, and isn't taught at the school either. That leads to learning from the computer, peers or other hands on activities that result in consequences.

I wholly agree the home is where sex education should take place. The home is already responsible for a child's success in education (families that fail in that regard will deny this). Parents should also make certain kids know about Sex.

Parents should read the sex education curriculum. The PTA is not saying dont inform children on education aspects of sex. The current curriculum allows for education, even about contraceptives. The new language in this legislation changed a key word. There is a big difference in code between the word educate and advocate. I think the PTA is for education at school, any advocating can happen in the home. I think they are right!

Sex education is something that should come from parents, but with the "bury your head in the sand and ignore it attitude" by many mormons, it needs to be taught somewhere. Kids need to know how and when to protect themselves. PLEASE talk to your kids HONESTLY and teach then how to protect them selves and their partner. Teens are going to have sex whether they are ready for it or not. Do your job as a parent and talk to them honestly. Preaching abstinence does not always work. Teach them how to be safe IF they choose to be sexually active. Talk about condoms not just "pie in the sky ideals" of abstinence. Be realistic!

rdp97 it has nothing to do with being Mormon, I know plenty of kids I grew up with that didn't discuss sex with their parents in another state. It was more of a hush thing in the old days, you may still be stuck in the that era if you think LDS people don't explain sexuality.

Just keep the permission forms available and keep teaching all aspects of sex education.

From a Mormon.

How foolish can one be to think that teaching abstinence will prevent unwanted pregancies and sexually transmitted diseases? Kids learn about sex in school from their peers and if they have no knowledge of prevention......

Playing dumb or sticking ones head in the sand is a disservice to the children of this state!

Just because you teach sex education in the schools does not mean that children will become sexually active! But by giving them the proper knowledge to make good decisions when the time comes, I feel is in everyones best interest!

There is anecdotal evidence that many juvenile sex offenders' first inappropriate activities were prompted by curiosity after attending a school maturation program. (Yes, at ten or eleven years of age.) Research is needed on this, perhaps by surveying NOJOS certified counselors, and others doing similar work with adult offenders.

In any event, this evidence suggests that the timing of sex education should not be strictly tied to age or grade level. Proposals are needed outlining ways to provide more flexibility in this regard.

"Teens are going to have sex whether they are ready for it or not"

Wow, I love that someone out there has such a cynical view of someone my age.

Actually, most teens understand if you behave irresponsibly, there are consequences. Religious teens especially have much lower rates of sexual activity. Furthermore, condoms have a frighteningly high failure rate, when you consider what is at stake, and even when they do work if you start sex too early and/or with too many partners there are serious emotional consequences.

I, for one, intend to "talk to my teens honestly" - and tell them abstinence before marriage and fidelity afterwards is the ONE AND ONLY 100% way to avoid not only teen pregnancy and STDs but also other problems from domestic violence to attachment disorders. And I expect my kids to be happier because they will actually be empowered to make CHOICES, rather than believe the junk that they "are going to have sex whether they are ready for it or not" - kids who learn at home to make conscious CHOICES are very likely to enjoy the benefits and blessings of the "pie in the sky ideal of abstinence."

You are all missing the point! This country was founded on the principle that the sole purpose of government is to protect its citizens from crime and foreign invasion. The use of taxpayer funds for any other purpose is illegal and illegitimate. Spending money on sex education programs has absolutely nothing to do with government's purpose and thus, it is a highly improper misuse of taxpayer money.

You're kidding right? Your not seriously saying the government (which is the people) doesn't want to fund an education system.

Has anyone actually read the curriculum objectives which includes a discussion of STDs/pregnancy prevention? This is included in the curriculum but in the context of "education" - not "promotion". I doubt many people would feel it appropriate to promote sexual involvement among unmarried minors. If you want a good parent guide to discuss human sexuality, go to the USOE website under curriculum and healthy lifestyles, law and policy and there is a great resource guide for parents and teachers.