Let's eliminate sex education from our schools. It was a bad application of a good idea, the idea being that children need to know the basics of human reproduction, and calling it sex education seemed direct and appropriate. But, though they do need to know, it's a bad title for the project. So, let's lose it, do away with it, trash it, toss it out. And start over with something better and more appropriate.
What we want is to protect our children from making mistakes that they and others will pay for for a long, long time. What they need is not sex education but education in well informed reproductive responsibility. Let's replace sex education with course material about responsible reproduction.
Responsible Reproduction
Children need to know how their bodies work, that's a given. They do not need to be taught in detail about sexual orientations or sexual techniques. But, it is essential that they know how to be responsible persons with their reproductive capabilities. That's the area in which we are failing our children.
To be responsible, one needs to know the mechanics involved--what can create a pregnancy, and what can help one avoid unplanned and irresponsible pregnancy. One needs to know what is respectful reproduction related treatment from other people, and how to make sure one both gets it and gives it.
One needs to know the real truth about teenage pregnancy, causes and dangers, and how to avoid them. One needs to know about long term effects of sexual activity that starts at a young age, and about unprotected sexual activity.
Our children need to learn reproductive ethics and reproductive practicality. Let's stop teaching sex education and give them what they and our whole society needs, a means to be reproductively compassionate, ethical, practical, and responsible.
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