Reader comments
Sex education, math under scrutiny: Lawmakers to discuss controversial issue
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Bethany | 10:52 a.m. June 5, 2009
I think an important part of sex education, is what we saw in our health classes
in high school, abortion films of actual abortions and their results. It
wasn't preaching anything, it was showing us reality and I think all high
school students that are exposed to so much in the media and world sexually,
should be fully aware of the entire story. I would encourage all young people to
look up films on abortions on the internet and watch them, it will help you take
all of your decisions seriously.
Anonymous | 12:29 p.m. June 5, 2009
Sex, evolution and global warming don't actually exist because our
Republican leadership have said they don't.
Mark Lane | 12:34 p.m. June 5, 2009
Schools should offer two courses: SexEd-A, and SexEd-B. The A class will teach
the current abstinence only material, and the B class will teach everything in A
plus contraception. Require the parents permission to attend the B class. The
parents are then giving their permission for the comprehensive sex ed
material.
It would be the same number of students and the same teachers, just some would choose SexEd-B, and the rest would get the standard SexEd-A. This is a simple and effective way to settle this "debate". Lets do this and stop wringing our hands about it.
It would be the same number of students and the same teachers, just some would choose SexEd-B, and the rest would get the standard SexEd-A. This is a simple and effective way to settle this "debate". Lets do this and stop wringing our hands about it.
Comments continue below
Utah Dem | 4:43 p.m. June 5, 2009
Once again many people are okay with parents abdicating their responsibilities
of providing sex education to their own children. Abstinence vs 'safe
sex'; giving birth vs abortion; just say no vs just go for it.
Teach your own children and you will never have to worry about what is being taught in school.
Teach your own children and you will never have to worry about what is being taught in school.
RE: Anonymous | 10:42 p.m. June 5, 2009
Does it make them so if Anonymous or the Democratic Leader say says so?
NO.
NO.
RE: Anonymous | 10:44 p.m. June 5, 2009
Are we to accept nonsense and foolishness and bad science just because Anonymous
or the Democratic Leadership says we have to?
PC Res | 10:55 p.m. June 5, 2009
perfect example of why public education is such a failure. Schools need to focus
on education that is beyond the responsibilities of parents.
Deadly ignorance | 12:55 a.m. June 6, 2009
Keeping sex education from students is a violation of their basic rights, said
Leeann Webster.
I agree. What students dont know could kill them.
I agree. What students dont know could kill them.
Timj | 6:03 a.m. June 6, 2009
I like Mark Lane's suggestion, but I think the default class should be the
comprehensive sex ed class (promoting abstinence but also teaching about other
ways to prevent pregnancy and STDs). If parents are uncomfortable with having
their children attend that class, they can have their kids attend an
"abstinence only" class. That way, the less disciplined kids who
wouldn't bother getting a parent's signature (and who are also more
likely to engage in sex) would get the more comprehensive education.
I also think every student should be required to take a parenting class, to show them how difficult it is to be a teenage parent, and schools should ask for help from teenage mothers and pregnant students, to bring the importance of abstinence and/or protection home to the other students.
I also think every student should be required to take a parenting class, to show them how difficult it is to be a teenage parent, and schools should ask for help from teenage mothers and pregnant students, to bring the importance of abstinence and/or protection home to the other students.
Provo Teacher | 6:05 a.m. June 6, 2009
Mark Lane's comment about Sex ed A and Sex ed B are the most logical
proposal I have heard on the debate.
Excellent idea and one we could all live with.
I used to teach health and grew very tired of the kids asking questions that I would then have to reply, "that is a great question to ask one of your parents. If they don't want to answer but would like me to, then have them call me or write a note...."
Excellent idea and one we could all live with.
I used to teach health and grew very tired of the kids asking questions that I would then have to reply, "that is a great question to ask one of your parents. If they don't want to answer but would like me to, then have them call me or write a note...."
Timj | 7:12 a.m. June 6, 2009
I'm not sure how good Utah education is for global warming, and it's
certainly deficient for sex education, at least in Provo.
But the core curriculum for evolution in Utah is actually pretty decent. The only question is how well it is actually taught by teachers in the classroom. Personally, most of my high school biology teachers tended to save that section for last (and somehow they always ran out of time, and never quite got to it...) I didn't get a decent education in evolution until I attended BYU.
But the core curriculum for evolution in Utah is actually pretty decent. The only question is how well it is actually taught by teachers in the classroom. Personally, most of my high school biology teachers tended to save that section for last (and somehow they always ran out of time, and never quite got to it...) I didn't get a decent education in evolution until I attended BYU.
The Truth | 7:13 a.m. June 6, 2009
The truth will always set you free and ignorance is never bliss.
Why would anyone ever withhold the truth from a child?
In my book, denying children the truth is just as bad as telling them a lie!
"The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God!"
Why would anyone ever withhold the truth from a child?
In my book, denying children the truth is just as bad as telling them a lie!
"The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God!"
LCP | 7:41 a.m. June 6, 2009
So you folks down in Utah County - how's that "abstinence only"
sex-ed working out for you?
Re PC Res: | 8:39 a.m. June 6, 2009
The problem with public schools is the public. Yes, it is the responsibility of
the parents to teach sex ed, but unfortunately many parents are taking that
responsibility seriously. These parents who are not doing their jobs as parents
are affecting the whole of society and when that happens, the government
(unfortunately) steps in. I know too many of the these parents who let their
children get sexually energized by watching MTV and other sexually provocative
programming, but then won't discuss sexual issues with their children other
than "don't do it."
Re PC Res | 8:41 a.m. June 6, 2009
Sorry for the typo in my previous post. It should read:
. . . unfortunately many parents "are not" taking that responsibility seriously.
. . . unfortunately many parents "are not" taking that responsibility seriously.
Tom | 8:48 a.m. June 6, 2009
Leslie Castle speaks ONLY for herself and not the majority. Sex education or
even the lack thereof is the sole responsibility of parents. Mark had a good
idea that empowers parents. Democrats want to impose their idea of right and
wrong on everyone else speaking from what they think is a perspective of moral
superiority while denigrating anyone with a different perspective. And, they
want to do it in a confrontative way. We know where confrontation and "in
your face" argumentation has it's roots....
Parent's Responsibilty? | 8:58 a.m. June 6, 2009
Why do parent's think they are the only ones who can teach sex ed? Just
because they do IT, doesn't make them experts on the subject. Also, when
people cry that sex should only be taught in the home, why aren't they
teaching it in the home?
Too many teens are getting pregnant and STD's these days. Just look around and you'll see lots of "Good Mormon Kids" who have a baby on the way. What were the parents teaching those kids about sex? - multipy and replenish the earth?
So how do we make sure every child understands the issues involved with sex if we trust parents to do it- when we all know most of them won't?
'It takes a village to raise a child' is the only way to make sure kids get a real sex education.
Too many teens are getting pregnant and STD's these days. Just look around and you'll see lots of "Good Mormon Kids" who have a baby on the way. What were the parents teaching those kids about sex? - multipy and replenish the earth?
So how do we make sure every child understands the issues involved with sex if we trust parents to do it- when we all know most of them won't?
'It takes a village to raise a child' is the only way to make sure kids get a real sex education.
Hypocrisy | 9:09 a.m. June 6, 2009
Responsibilities of the parents? Oh pleas, how can they teach their kids such
things when they're trying their hardest to find jobs and work paying off
the great debt set upon us by 8 years of Republican Leadership?
Easy math | 9:17 a.m. June 6, 2009
1+1=3. What's more to tell? Parents - take control. Take the education out
of the headlines: Jaime-Lynn Spears, Bristol Pallin, .... You have the examples.
What more do you need? One time is all that is needed to make a third party.
To put one's head in the sand is ignoring the fact that you have kids who are being subjected to intense media blitzing of sexual innuendos through film, music, and peers. Tell it straight and early on - as soon as they walk and talk, and don't sweat it. Keep the language in real terms - using correct anatomical parts, and remind them of the proper place and time.
Kids appreciate realism and talking straight. Not phony overtures. The teachers can teach the real curriculum that they are supposed to.
To put one's head in the sand is ignoring the fact that you have kids who are being subjected to intense media blitzing of sexual innuendos through film, music, and peers. Tell it straight and early on - as soon as they walk and talk, and don't sweat it. Keep the language in real terms - using correct anatomical parts, and remind them of the proper place and time.
Kids appreciate realism and talking straight. Not phony overtures. The teachers can teach the real curriculum that they are supposed to.
Educrat | 9:46 a.m. June 6, 2009
RE: Anonymous | 10:44 p.m. June 5, 2009
"Are we to accept nonsense and foolishness and bad science just because Anonymous or the Democratic Leadership says we have to?"
You missed the whole point. Global warming and evolution have more than substantial evidence providing validity to each. Sex education also has scientific basis for curbing stds and other consequences.
There are people and educators who readily dismiss such things because they don't 'believe' in them either out of principle or religious beliefs. The result is BAD SCIENCE. Global Warming does exist. Sure many trends of cooling and warming exist, but man's effect is exasperating the problem with all our pollutants. Evolution does exist. Man evolved just like all life, and the Earth is 4.5 Billion years old not roughly 10,000 years that religionists would have their blind followers believe. Those are scientific facts.
I find it funny you bash on the Democrats. They aren't the ones spreading falsehoods hoping people will blindly follow. Abstinence should be taught in conjunction with comprehensive Sex-ed, not in lieu of it.
"Are we to accept nonsense and foolishness and bad science just because Anonymous or the Democratic Leadership says we have to?"
You missed the whole point. Global warming and evolution have more than substantial evidence providing validity to each. Sex education also has scientific basis for curbing stds and other consequences.
There are people and educators who readily dismiss such things because they don't 'believe' in them either out of principle or religious beliefs. The result is BAD SCIENCE. Global Warming does exist. Sure many trends of cooling and warming exist, but man's effect is exasperating the problem with all our pollutants. Evolution does exist. Man evolved just like all life, and the Earth is 4.5 Billion years old not roughly 10,000 years that religionists would have their blind followers believe. Those are scientific facts.
I find it funny you bash on the Democrats. They aren't the ones spreading falsehoods hoping people will blindly follow. Abstinence should be taught in conjunction with comprehensive Sex-ed, not in lieu of it.
Re: Mark Land | 9:48 a.m. June 6, 2009
Excellent common sense solution to an ongoing debate. Unfortunately we cannot
assume that parents are giving their children all the facts-some dont'.
Mark's solution is practical and easily implemented, so suffice it to say
that based on our legislature's track record, it is one they will not
consider. Too bad, 'cause it's a good one!!
Agit8r | 9:56 a.m. June 6, 2009
I also like Mark Lane's suggestion. It may also make it possible to judge
the effectiveness of each method. Let's give it a try.
Hurray for Mark Lane | 10:08 a.m. June 6, 2009
Mark Lane's idea about the two-track sex ed course is brilliant, and I hope
the Legislature incorporates his idea into law. Most parents DO talk to their
kids about the facts of life, but they'd also like the topic to be taught
in school. (I talk to my kids about politics, science and the arts, but that
doesn't mean the schools can't address those topics, too.)
Lets at least do academics right | 10:08 a.m. June 6, 2009
"Keeping sex education from students is "a violation of their basic
rights," said Leeann Webster, PPAC field coordinator".
This is laughable, society got along quite well for most of history without government sponsored sex education.
We should focus on academics first which is weak in schools, advertisements running on radio in Utah to the contrary not withstanding.
Utah will never teach proper sex education anyway, if use of protection is proven to be the most effective, it will never be taught, so why bother? Kids can get along with out it.
Advertisements running on the radio now say Utah is doing well because we have the highest proportion of students taking upper level math. What these advertisements fail to mention is that upper level math in Highschools has been gutted over the past several years. Problems given now are much easier than yesteryear, students are learning only a portion of what they should be.
We will never teach sex education properly, but can't we at least fix academics?
This is laughable, society got along quite well for most of history without government sponsored sex education.
We should focus on academics first which is weak in schools, advertisements running on radio in Utah to the contrary not withstanding.
Utah will never teach proper sex education anyway, if use of protection is proven to be the most effective, it will never be taught, so why bother? Kids can get along with out it.
Advertisements running on the radio now say Utah is doing well because we have the highest proportion of students taking upper level math. What these advertisements fail to mention is that upper level math in Highschools has been gutted over the past several years. Problems given now are much easier than yesteryear, students are learning only a portion of what they should be.
We will never teach sex education properly, but can't we at least fix academics?
Is this what school has come to? | 10:15 a.m. June 6, 2009
If school leaders put as much effort into creating a world class math program as
they do into social issues, especially sex education, we'd have the best
educated kids in the nation. Well-educated kids think logically and problem
solve. Problem solved!
Amen Tom | 10:15 a.m. June 6, 2009
Well stated Tom, I agree with your comments. I graduated high school in 1994
and even though neither the school system nor my parents ever mentioned birth
control, I was well aware of condoms, the pill, and other contraceptive devices
long before I started high school. The parents can adequately teach the
children about contraceptives and if a student really had a sincere question
about something and wasn't comfortable asking their parents, try the
library. They still have those you know.
@Tom | 10:31 a.m. June 6, 2009
No Democrats want to pick up the pieces that irresponsible parents are not
teaching. I am all for children learning sex education from their parents. But
the parents don't want to so they leave it up to the schools, then EXPECT
the schools to teach it how they want them too. You can't have it both
ways. Take Sex Ed out of schools all together, or teach comprehensive
prevention of pregnacy and STDs
Cynic Jim | 10:40 a.m. June 6, 2009
Mr. Lane, Provo Teacher & Timj--It's not what is being taught in A or
B--it's the sharing of information as extra cirricular activities, of which
parents should be taking control!
Anonymous | 10:41 a.m. June 6, 2009
Did I miss where math is under scrutiny in this article. Seems to me if you are
going to flash a headline about something, you should probably at least mention
it.
Lightning rod of hate....... | 10:55 a.m. June 6, 2009
Why don't we teach sex education and reproduction which constitutes REAL
science and REAL life. How many of these children would be on the planet
without sex? We should eliminate funding for competitive school sports programs
that perhaps 10% of high school kids participate in and teach little or no life
skills. Lets at least fund education that would benefit ALL students.
Timj | 10:56 a.m. June 6, 2009
I agree that if parents were doing a decent job teaching their kids sex ed,
there would be no need for schools to do it.
Unfortunately, that's not the reality we live in. There's a lot more sex going on in Utah schools (OK, maybe not in the schools, but being done by the schools' students) than there should be, much of it unprotected.
Many parent's aren't doing their job, and as a result, society (ie--taxpayers) are paying. We can cut the societal costs by preventing teenage pregnancies and STDs--and since many parents aren't doing their jobs, the best place to make sure that teenage pregnancy and STDs are prevented is the public schools. The most effective sex ed is one that teaches both plan A and plan B--abstinence and protection.
Unfortunately, that's not the reality we live in. There's a lot more sex going on in Utah schools (OK, maybe not in the schools, but being done by the schools' students) than there should be, much of it unprotected.
Many parent's aren't doing their job, and as a result, society (ie--taxpayers) are paying. We can cut the societal costs by preventing teenage pregnancies and STDs--and since many parents aren't doing their jobs, the best place to make sure that teenage pregnancy and STDs are prevented is the public schools. The most effective sex ed is one that teaches both plan A and plan B--abstinence and protection.
Anonymous | 11:53 a.m. June 6, 2009
It's important for the righteous to win this one. Sex should not be
discussed until a one-man one woman marriage.
The unrighteous will inflict a plague of sexually transmitted diseases on their children with their x rated sex education. We need to protect the children from the unrighteousness that libruls try to spread to them.
The unrighteous will inflict a plague of sexually transmitted diseases on their children with their x rated sex education. We need to protect the children from the unrighteousness that libruls try to spread to them.
Benson | 12:10 p.m. June 6, 2009
We must teach kids in school about everything in sex education because parents
don't do it. I know because I've got to every house in Utah and asked
them. Of course I'm the only single exception because my wife and I teach
our children. Well, and our family friends who we have aproached for help on
this taught their kids as well, so we are the exceptions, but you are all right,
parents never teach it. Also, we have got to get on track teach everything. Of
course this means showing an abortion being performed. These kids need to know
what that is like. It really helps them to be safe in sex. Teach it all,
everything, nothing should be left out. Oh, by the way, in states where
comprehensive sex ed is taught, teen pregnancy, STD's and abortions are at
all time highs. Utah is this state with a teen pregnancy problem. It is those
states that are teaching kids all about sex, of course not the abortion though
because that is bad to show kids, that are having major increases in teen sex
and associated troubles.
Fine | 12:26 p.m. June 6, 2009
but if you are going to teach contraception - at least be honest about it.
Quoting from the literature from my ob/gyn, every method of contraception has a
failure rate, ranging from 3-10% or more. Even the pill has a failure rate of
1-3%, depending on which one you take and how good you are about taking it every
day on time.
I'm now in my 40s, and have several friends with children who were conceived on the pill, or while using condoms, etc. And these are adult, married people who were simply trying to space out their kids, who knew very well how to use them, not teens.
If these methods fail this often for birth control, then they are going to fail just as often in protecting kids against STDs also. Condoms in particular have a 3-7% failure rate in pregnancy prevention - the 3% is with experienced adults. The AIDS virus is a lot smaller than sperm.
I'm now in my 40s, and have several friends with children who were conceived on the pill, or while using condoms, etc. And these are adult, married people who were simply trying to space out their kids, who knew very well how to use them, not teens.
If these methods fail this often for birth control, then they are going to fail just as often in protecting kids against STDs also. Condoms in particular have a 3-7% failure rate in pregnancy prevention - the 3% is with experienced adults. The AIDS virus is a lot smaller than sperm.
Backwards Utah | 1:11 p.m. June 6, 2009
Countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands that teach biology-based sex
education, and make contraceptives easily available, have the least abortions
and sexually transmitted diseases in the world.
Why do we not emulate their proven successes?
Why do we not emulate their proven successes?
Timj | 1:28 p.m. June 6, 2009
No one's saying that all parents are poor at teaching their kids about sex.
But I grew up in Utah, went to high school in Utah not too long ago, recently
taught high school in Utah...and I know that many parents don't do an
adequate job. Many also do a poor job of keeping track of their kids (a girl
keeping the existence of a boyfriend secret from parents for months, etc.)
No one's saying that schools shouldn't teach abstinence. If you want to look at high pregnancy rates, look at Texas. Abstinence-only education isn't working there. And while rates in Utah are lower, they can, and should be, much lower than the are right now. Comprehensive sex ed, teaching both abstinence and protection, is the proven way to do it.
No one's saying that schools shouldn't teach abstinence. If you want to look at high pregnancy rates, look at Texas. Abstinence-only education isn't working there. And while rates in Utah are lower, they can, and should be, much lower than the are right now. Comprehensive sex ed, teaching both abstinence and protection, is the proven way to do it.
I agree | 2:53 p.m. June 6, 2009
no sex education in this sexually frustrated state as it will only add to all
the misfits out there anyways!
what affects behavior | 3:08 p.m. June 6, 2009
Let's put the record straight. Comprehensive sex ed is funded at 4 times
the level of abstinence and STD rates went up in every state no matter what
focus they used. Why are we arguing over a one day discussion on contraception
that does not change behavior. The curriculum DOES allow for a general
discussion of contraception. If a teacher doesn't include it, then they
are not following the curriculum content or a local school board who has chosen
to omit it based on their own patrons. Only 3 districts in Utah have abstinence
only curriculum. If kids want more information, there are plenty of places to
get it - their parents and a private physician would be a reliable place to
start. Let's focus on strategies that really make a difference - and guess
what - the most successful strategy identified in many studies is the parent.
Comprehensive sex ed has not demonstrated reduction in STDs and includes a whole
lot more information than contraception.
An Observer | 4:28 p.m. June 6, 2009
HOw about we get back to teach the basics, and our children the foundation in
math science and english that they actually neeed to succeed,
and stop wasting money on things that should be taught in families, by parents and churches,
education costs and spending are already so great we do need to waste more on things school does NOT need to teach,
regardless of what some sex on brain liberal tells you.
our country had it right for nearly two hundred years with out problems,
now have the loony left, the amoral liberal who wants to destroy children and schools, and society,
and wasting time, money, and resources,
to indoctrinate kids, on sex, global warnming, leftelst liberal politics, rather than teaching academic subjects that children really need to succeed,
if adults can't agree on these things why are we forcing this GARBAGE onto school chldren?
NOw if don't teach it our chldren are all going to have sex, get diseases, and die, absolute nonesense and rubbish,
why change what has worked SUCCESSFULLY for hundreds of generations?
whatever failures there are it is by family and society NOT from the lack of teaching sex education.
and stop wasting money on things that should be taught in families, by parents and churches,
education costs and spending are already so great we do need to waste more on things school does NOT need to teach,
regardless of what some sex on brain liberal tells you.
our country had it right for nearly two hundred years with out problems,
now have the loony left, the amoral liberal who wants to destroy children and schools, and society,
and wasting time, money, and resources,
to indoctrinate kids, on sex, global warnming, leftelst liberal politics, rather than teaching academic subjects that children really need to succeed,
if adults can't agree on these things why are we forcing this GARBAGE onto school chldren?
NOw if don't teach it our chldren are all going to have sex, get diseases, and die, absolute nonesense and rubbish,
why change what has worked SUCCESSFULLY for hundreds of generations?
whatever failures there are it is by family and society NOT from the lack of teaching sex education.
Come On.... | 4:43 p.m. June 6, 2009
I had a sex education class in school and it was well presented and answered a
lot of questions I had about sex at the time. It didn't make me want to
run out and practice sex, it was informative and great. I really think all kids
need to hear from their parents AND from educators. If it is well presented and
really can benefit students tremendously.
Family vs School values | 5:14 p.m. June 6, 2009
Why must we assume that people will not learn something unless the school
teaches it? Obviously the teens in this story that are working with the very
liberal Planned Parenthood, are pretty savvy. How did they find Planned
Parenthood?
It seems that you either have Christian standards or you have an "anything goes" standard. Once you let Planned Parenthood in the door, you give the message that you expect them to be sexually active, and "here is how to avoid the consequences."(As if you can avoid all the consequences!)
I love local differences. There ought to be a place for people to go where they can have an educational system that meets their value system. Why should we all be forced to be the same the whole USA over? And why does the school have to be the solution to everything? Why do people feel that the school should replace the family?
If you want your kids to know something, then teach them. Mind your own business. You don't need to teach my child what you think she should know. Otherwise, I want equal time to teach your child what I feel you have neglected to teach.
It seems that you either have Christian standards or you have an "anything goes" standard. Once you let Planned Parenthood in the door, you give the message that you expect them to be sexually active, and "here is how to avoid the consequences."(As if you can avoid all the consequences!)
I love local differences. There ought to be a place for people to go where they can have an educational system that meets their value system. Why should we all be forced to be the same the whole USA over? And why does the school have to be the solution to everything? Why do people feel that the school should replace the family?
If you want your kids to know something, then teach them. Mind your own business. You don't need to teach my child what you think she should know. Otherwise, I want equal time to teach your child what I feel you have neglected to teach.
A time and a place... | 5:34 p.m. June 6, 2009
You can teach your own children what you want already. What this is about is
people wanting to make decisions for others.
Do they think that more sex education means that we will have less pain and suffering and fewer young mothers on the welfare roles?
When I was young, we had neither sex education or welfare moms. It seem the more "educated" we get, the more of these problems we have. Girls "in the know" still choose pregnancy!
I remember how trapped and horrified I felt when in the fifth grade we girls and mothers had to sit in a classroom and learn about female development. I wanted out. No options. In high school I was allowed to opt out of "Senior Health" because they talked about sexuality in graphic terms. I knew I could not deal with that, especially in mixed company! Do people even have such feelings now? Are there no boundaries? I truly felt panic at being forced to deal with subjects I was not ready for.
These days, with the internet and libraries, if a child wants to know, a child can find out. Where can you go to avoid it until ready?
Do they think that more sex education means that we will have less pain and suffering and fewer young mothers on the welfare roles?
When I was young, we had neither sex education or welfare moms. It seem the more "educated" we get, the more of these problems we have. Girls "in the know" still choose pregnancy!
I remember how trapped and horrified I felt when in the fifth grade we girls and mothers had to sit in a classroom and learn about female development. I wanted out. No options. In high school I was allowed to opt out of "Senior Health" because they talked about sexuality in graphic terms. I knew I could not deal with that, especially in mixed company! Do people even have such feelings now? Are there no boundaries? I truly felt panic at being forced to deal with subjects I was not ready for.
These days, with the internet and libraries, if a child wants to know, a child can find out. Where can you go to avoid it until ready?
Anonymous | 5:45 p.m. June 6, 2009
Re: Mark Lane's "Sex Ed A" and "Sex Ed B"
So, while the kids are waiting in the lunch line together...
Do you really think these kids aren't communicating?
So now they get the info second hand.
Really, today you can find out anything you want to know.
So, while the kids are waiting in the lunch line together...
Do you really think these kids aren't communicating?
So now they get the info second hand.
Really, today you can find out anything you want to know.
Lightning rod of hate....... | 6:04 p.m. June 6, 2009
An Observer:
Please learn how to use the shift key appropriately. It is "global warming", not "global warnming". I believe you mean "leftist liberal politics", not "leftelst liberal politics".
"NOw if don't teach it our chldren are all going to have sex, get diseases, and die, absolute nonesense and rubbish" is just gibberish.
Sorry to point it out, but it seems that the conservative right is probably more "sex on the brain" than most liberals. Look at the size of families in Utah (especially Utah County), and if you want to look outside of Utah just ask republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin (Roman Catholic) about her unmarried teen parent daughter, Bristol.
Yes, we all make mistakes. Lets try to educate more Utah children about human life, including reproduction and sex. It is science after all.
Please learn how to use the shift key appropriately. It is "global warming", not "global warnming". I believe you mean "leftist liberal politics", not "leftelst liberal politics".
"NOw if don't teach it our chldren are all going to have sex, get diseases, and die, absolute nonesense and rubbish" is just gibberish.
Sorry to point it out, but it seems that the conservative right is probably more "sex on the brain" than most liberals. Look at the size of families in Utah (especially Utah County), and if you want to look outside of Utah just ask republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin (Roman Catholic) about her unmarried teen parent daughter, Bristol.
Yes, we all make mistakes. Lets try to educate more Utah children about human life, including reproduction and sex. It is science after all.
Same team | 7:07 p.m. June 6, 2009
I graduated mid-1990s from Park City. They were pretty explicit in teaching us
about the process of procreation. I remember very clearly an assignment about
contraceptives. We were required to go home and ask our parents about their
views on the subject. That was the impetus for one of the better conversations I
may have otherwise never had with my parents and really helped me to understand
their view on things. I was and remain a faithful LDS and these things
strengthened, not weakened, my understanding of sexuality.
The point is, it's not about pitting the school against the parents. It's about getting them to work together and that's exactly what happened b/c of my health-class experience.
The point is, it's not about pitting the school against the parents. It's about getting them to work together and that's exactly what happened b/c of my health-class experience.
Timj | 7:34 p.m. June 6, 2009
Yes, kids can find stuff on the internet. They can find it out from the kid
next to them in the lunch line.
Will it be accurate?
Your kids are learning about sex whether you want them to or not. If the school's not teaching much about it (like in Provo), you better make sure you're doing a great job teaching them...because otherwise the internet and the kid in the lunch line will be your kids best sources.
Talk about scary...
Will it be accurate?
Your kids are learning about sex whether you want them to or not. If the school's not teaching much about it (like in Provo), you better make sure you're doing a great job teaching them...because otherwise the internet and the kid in the lunch line will be your kids best sources.
Talk about scary...
Parent/HS Teacher | 8:05 p.m. June 6, 2009
I hope every parent in the world has a "big bed" where they can
comfortably talk to their children about all the important issues in life. When
my eldest son came home from his first day of 2nd grade and said, "Mom,
this really cute girl in my class wants to have sex with me" and I asked
him if he knew what she was talking about, he said "no", I said,
"Let's go in and talk on the big bed." Over a little plate of
crackers we talked about what sex is and when it's appropriate to have sex
(that part should be left up to individual family values). It's too late to
start talking to kids about sex when they're teenagers. Heck (yes, I said
"Heck") some parents can't even talk to their kids about school
dress codes! Parents, if you don't start talking about the critical issues
with your kids when they're young, you lose the power of your opportunity.
As a teacher, I appreciate those of you who said schools should not have to be responsible for all the things parents won't take care of at home.
As a teacher, I appreciate those of you who said schools should not have to be responsible for all the things parents won't take care of at home.
A Student | 9:22 a.m. June 11, 2009
As a current high school student, I would just like to mention something: high
school today has sex oozing from every pore. It is not something that will go
away if you ignore it. Really, it is hardly a matter of whether or not
you'd like to protect your children from sex education so much as having a
modicum of control over the manner in which they receive it. We do get the
information regardless of whether you provide it; the difference is between
being provided with it by responsible adults in an unbiased, open forum and
picking it up in the hallways. Parents should dispel their illusion of control
over every aspect of their children's lives and instead learn to be honest
instead of manipulative, open instead of repressive. I have learned that parents
who ignore the possibility of their children engaging in risks put them in a far
more dangerous position than those who frankly acknowledge these possibilities
and discuss their consequences. That being said, I feel that at least having the
option of comprehensive sex ed is imperative, and those who would elect to
continue 'sheltering' their children are in for disappointment.
Ok...Seriously | 1:03 a.m. June 16, 2009
This is NOT a political issue. It's a safety hazard. Comprehensive sex ed
NEEDS to be taugh to teens. During puberty, their bodies are telling them to
have sex. If they don't know the safe way to do it, then STDs, STIs, and
pregnancy are a huge risk. Take Bristol Palin. Her father admitted they'd
never discussed the issue, but "She could have asked" She then said
that pregnancy "Didnt think could ever happen to her." This is a case
where neither parents nor the government gave a young intelligent woman the info
she needed, to a point where she was deluded enough to think that having
unprotected safe would not result in a baby. Teens NEED this, or they get their
"information" and "questions answered" from undeduatced
friends or sketchy internet sites. Teens are NOT at all willing to ask their
parents, unless they've already done their job to ensure that it is an
open, and intelligent discussion. Abstinence DOES NOT WORK. Teens willhave sex
whether or not adults like it, we must keep them informed!! As humans with
bodies, it IS their right!!
Recent Graduate | 1:15 a.m. June 16, 2009
At my school, health, sex ed, was taught in the tenth grade. A large number of
people were by then, already having sex. Now it may be scary as a parent to know
that your little 15 year old is sexually active, but isn't it scarier to
think that they could be stuck with a disease that could impair them, and in
essence, you're grandchildren, for the rest of your life? I am disgusted by
those who frown upon Parenthood. It doesn't just "deal with the
consequences," it gives options, it saves lives, it helps women and men in
need, and it's name says it all, PLANNED. 51% of latina teens become
pregnant before their projected graduation date, and guess how many of those
actually do get to walk? Sex is everywhere in high school, and at some point,
it's completely out of a parent's hands whether or not their child is
having it, because most likely they will keep having it. And what about oral?
Sooo many diseases can be contracted from oral sex, and I feel like these are
not even mentioned in sexed. The youth needs to be informed.
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