The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools
Guest post by Christy Keating
Did you see that last month, Washington’s governor signed into law a bill that requires schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education? He did, and it’s a fantastic step forward. Bills like this are always controversial and disliked by those who don’t believe it’s healthy for children to have accurate information about sexual health, but I applaud it, and I do so for a few reasons:
- The research shows that in those countries where mandatory comprehensive sex education is the law, there are far lower rates of teen pregnancy, abortion, and often a later onset to the start of sexual activity.
- I believe it is irresponsible for parents and educators to neglect talking to our children about this very important part of human development; if we want our children to grow up to make decisions informed by accurate information as well their values and morals, we have to provide them with the tools to do so.
- I know that children who have a comprehensive vocabulary in this area, and are well-informed are LESS likely to be the target of predatory behavior. The fact is that predators do not like children who are well-informed and clearly have an open line of communication with their parents.
So overall, yes, I think this legislation is a step in the right direction. And as a general matter, I agree with the thoughts of Washington Senators Lisa Wellman and Claire Wilson who penned an Op-Ed in the Seattle Times explaining why they supported the bill and what it does for Washington’s students. See the article HERE.
However, there are a few concerning turns of phrase in the Op-Ed that may persist in teaching students sexual abuse prevention strategies that don’t work.
Please watch this short video to learn why “stranger danger” and “good touch/bad touch” are actually concepts that are dangerous for kids.
To watch the video, CLICK HERE.
Christy Keating, J.D. is a licensed attorney and Certified Parent Coach® who owns Savvy Parents Safe Kids and The Heartful Parent; In addition to offering one-on-one parent coaching, she speaks to parents and professionals all over the country about child sexual abuse prevention, boundaries, and consent.
