Sex ed in Middle School reduces sexually active teens
A sex education program called “Get Real: Comprehensive Sex Education that Works” targeted at middle schoolers (6th – 8th grade) reports success at reducing the amount of sexually active teens who take the course. More than 150 schools have implemented the program in Texas, Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts.
The program focuses on accurate medical information regarding sexuality, and is designed to work in conjunction with parents as the main front for talking honestly with their kids about sexual activity. It is not an abstinence-only program, but does provide advice on encouraging kids to say “no” to sex.
According to the program site, 15 percent less girls and 16 percent less boys who take “Get Real” classes engage in sexual activity, compared with their peers. The numbers are even more impactful because the program is targeted at middle schools where students are at a higher risk for engaging in sexual activity.
A study released by New York University’s Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health and Planned Parenthood found that by the time children reached age 21, only 1 in 5 parents had a discussion with their kids about birth control, saying “no” to sex and where to go for sexual health information.
The survey also found that nearly one-third of parents have never talked with their kids about where to go for reproductive health care.
Programs like “Get Real” are a necessity in our K-12 schools, and definitely by the middle school age. Waiting until high school means that kids have had several years of exposure to misinformation, and may already been sexually active. Age-appropriate, heath-based sex education is the right way to go — and I hope that “Get Real” spreads to more schools.
Middle school is definitely NOT too early to have these honest discussions about sex, and not just ones that have to do with abstinence. Kids need to know where to get honest information about protection and sexual health.
I don’t know but to me, middle school still seems a little bit young, at least for conversations about protected sex. Students should understand their bodies but the age of 11 and 12, they are too young to really comprehend responsible sexual relationships.
I think that the proof that this program is working is enough to make it one that continues, and spreads to more schools around the country. Get Real sounds like an excellent place for students to get the facts instead of misinformation and help them have a better understanding about sexual health from the start.