Sex education in our schools Sex education in our schools has been a hot topic of debate for decades. The main point at issue is whether to use comprehensive sex education or an abstinence-only program to educate our youth. The popularity of abstinence-only programs over the past two decades has grown largely due to the U.S. government passing a law to fund states that teach the abstinence-only approach to sex education. But not teaching our children about sex and sexuality means not giving them the information they need to make informed decisions. Sex education in our schools should teach more than just abstinence because these programs are not proven to stop teenagers from having sex. Children need to be educated on how to prevent the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies and must be given the knowledge necessary to understand the changes that occur in their bodies during puberty. According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Kindergarten-12th Grade, comprehensive sexuality education “should be appropriate for the age, developmental level, and cultural background of students and respect the diversity of values ​​and beliefs represented in the community” (SIECUS). Rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy are higher in the United States than in any other domestic country. It's not surprising since American culture has brought sex to the forefront in recent decades. The need for comprehensive sex education in schools can teach children that romantic relationships and sexual interactions in the media don't show the whole story. For children with... middle of the paper... the best way to 100% prevent unwanted teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Other advocates say that by using education to promote understanding of STDs along with an abstinence-only program, teens will receive all the information they need to make healthy choices. All in all, including a comprehensive sexuality education program in our schools is necessary for the health and well-being of our children. Comprehensive sex education programs do not encourage teenagers to have sex but enable young people to make informed decisions about sex, sexual health and relationships. Young people will decide whether or not to have sex, regardless of the opinions expressed by teachers, parents, politicians or religious leaders, so let's at least arm ourselves with knowledge to protect ourselves.