The writer is correct. Leaving sex education to parents only leads to ignorance and the proliferation of ideas and dogma that imply that sex is naughty, dirty, or shameful. Sure, these urges can be misused, which is all the more reason to give responsible guidance to our youth.

Instead of focusing on what our bodies can DO, we should focus on WHY we have bodies. That understanding cannot be taught outside of religion. Those who think that our ancestors crawled from the premodial ooze and eventually became humans might insist that man has no SOUL and that whatever we do with our bodies is alright because we are just a higher lifeform with neither a creator nor a purpose in life.

Those of us who have read the prophets realise that yes, we are indeed a higher lifeform; that we have been created in the image of God; that we have a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to PROVE that we honor and follow that God who gave us this great opportunity. Those of us who have been taught the "Plan of Salvation" know that how we use our bodies constitutes a big part of that plan.

Those who would teach our children how to have sex without pregnancy are not helping our children.

Those who teach that sex is sacred and only part of marriage have the proper perspective.

Youth, even in ignorance, will decide whether they believe in God or man.

Studies show that abstence only doesn't work. The obvious solution is to try comprehensive approach that teaches abstence plus use of protection if one chooses not to be abstent.

Perhaps that won't work either. If nothing proves to work, then the answer is not to waste school time teaching sex education, but to concentrate on academics.

Don't let religion, nor liberal adjenda decide what to teach in the schools. Do what works, base decisions on facts.

The state healthy lifestyles curriculum is broadbased and designed to encourage healthy attitudes about sexuality. It is also strongly focused on why premarital abstinence is the best choice for teens. It needs to be clarified that STDs and pregnancy rates have increased in every state in the country no matter whether there was a comprehensive sex ed or abstinence approach. Contraceptive use has serious limitations and only reduce the risk of some STDs. This is a very complex issue where we need many groups working together - parents, schools, medical professionals and society in general - to send a loud message to kids that teen sexual involvement has serious physical and emotional risks. Kids need to know that contraception might reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs, but it doesn't touch the emotional trauma that occurs in the aftermath.

Well said, Mary Ann.

Then teachers need to teach children how to do household chores. Then teachers need to teach children morals. Then teachers need to teach children religion. Then teachers need to teach children how to work. Then teachers need to teach children ethics.

I mean, If we're going to rely on teachers to teach our children everything, let's start creating a LONG list.

Okay, Opinionated, how did you know all that? How did you know that we educators are already teaching that long list every day? Have you any idea how many parents already rely on us to raise their kids. I do, I deal with it everyday. Lets see, Morals lesson, check. How to clean up after themselves, check. How to work, check. Ethics, absolutely check. Wow, I am a parent to 900 kids. Way to go me.

RE: slgs5;
I am agreeing with you that school is NOT the place to teach all those things. BUT, you set yourself up here. If you really think you are teaching all those things, I would then have to say you are doing a LOUSY job of teaching, because kids aren't getting it. My point is, it shouldn't be your job to teach those things--it should be the parents.