Observation 3: Community-based writing assignment

One possible topic for my community-based writing assignment is the controversy of sex education in schools. My claim is that abstinence should be encouraged in schools, however, some kids will engage in pre-marital sex and need to be taught how to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies or disease. Some questions I would ask are:

Should schools give out free-condoms? YES, giving out condoms to students does not in anyway tell them they should be having pre-marital sex, but it will protect those who choose not to remain abstinent.

Should abstinence be promoted in schools? YES, students should know that the only way to be 100% safe from disease or pregnancy is by remaining abstinent, but alternative methods should be taught for those who choose to have sex.

When should teachers start education kids about sex? Middle school, when kids start their transition from middle school to high school. Kids that age do not usually feel completely comfortable asking their parents questions about sex; just because they don't ask does not mean they do not have questions.

Is this issue prevalent everywhere? YES, statistics say that roughly half of all kids have sex before entering high school. Different cultures have different ways of life but it is unrealistic to think that not even one kid will engage in premarital sex.

What specific areas will safe sex education be more of an issue? Urban areas have more kids that engage in pre-martial sex. When I went to a public high school in Atlanta, condoms were available in the nurses office. Being in a more rural city would make safe sex options less available.

How does family background make a difference? YES, a family's financial situation as well as there religious background would make a difference in views on pre-marital sex.

What are some of the main reasons people are against safe sex education? I think people feel that if you educate about safe sex, kids are going to ignore the option of remaining abstinent. Religion will also play a role in the debate. Some religions teach pre-marital sex to be a sin and do not want to introduce their kids to other ideas.

I think that the main issue that people will debate is that handing out condoms or informing kids about birth control seemingly gives the impression that premarital sex is acceptable. I feel like people will have a hard time distinguishing the true difference between promoting safe sex and educating people about safe sex. The community on my side would be kids who have already engaged in pre-marital sex and suffered the consequences of it or kids who do not plan on staying abstinent.