Abstinence-Only Sex-Ed Doesn’t Work

American teens fare consistently worse on most sexual health measures than teens in other industrialized nations. Our teens also have higher pregnancy and abortion rates that any other European nation. Ugh… And, young American women have intercourse at a younger age, use less effective contraception, and report higher rates of using no contraception at all than young women in every industrialized country. Nearly 60% of US pregnancies are unplanned or unwanted and rates of curable STDs are higher than any industrialized nation.  And we’re the Super Power?

So what’s wrong with our sex-ed programs in the US?  The government provides $300 million a year for ABSTINENCE-ONLY programs in schools, not the comprehensive sex-education that most parents want.  So why would there just be an abstinence approach when there isn’t even a law requiring sex ed in schools AT ALL? You guessed it – pressure from religious groups and social taboos against adolescent sexuality.

So why aren’t abstinence-only programs working for US teens? It’s not practical to expect a child at puberty to not have sex until they marry.  Children are going through puberty at a much younger age (possibly due to the hormones they eat in processed food) and adults are getting married much later (many wait until they graduate from college and establish themselves in careers). Besides, abstinence-only programs do not prevent teens from having sex but they do prevent them from having the necessary information to make smart choices and to protect themselves.

The Netherlands have the lowest rate of unplanned pregnancy, abortion, and teen pregnancy in the western world. Here are some of the themes that the Dutch use in their sex ed:

1. Physical and emotional sexual development: This topic includes information about puberty of each sex for both sexes and covers physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Students are reassured that while they may have worries or concerns about their bodies, these concerns are a natural part of growing up and everything will be ok.
2. Reproduction: This topic includes simple, accurate language and illustrations explaining sexual intercourse and reproduction.
3. Weerbarheid: Translated as ‘interactional competence’, this topic addresses assertiveness, communication techniques, personal values, asking for help, and decision making. Weerbarheid encourages students to think about what they are comfortable with sexually and develop skills to maintain boundaries.
4. Relationships: This topic covers heterosexual and homosexual relationships and is often used to transition from discussions of puberty to discussions of sexuality.
5. Sexuality: Dutch sex education presents sexuality in a positive light, including information on the positive and pleasurable aspects of sex and relationships. Masturbation is encouraged as a safe, enjoyable way for students to discover their sexual preferences.
6. Safe sex: Safe sex is a very important topic in Dutch sex education. The “Double Dutch” method is encouraged- using oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and a condom to prevent STDs. The safe sex topic includes information on where to get contraception, how to use it, and what to do if you are nervous about asking for it.

American schools can choose to offer sex ed according to their families’ needs. As parents, it’s really up to us to make sure that our children are prepared for sexuality by providing support, guidance, and most importantly, education.

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