Should human sexuality courses be reserved for college?

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

Because parents aren't doing it either because they can't or they won't. But whatever which way, there needs to be sex ed in classrooms. At least this way, they're learning from a standardized curriculum. The only issue I have with standard sex ed is that they stay well away from the emotional issues involved in sex. It's far too clinical. I'd like to see more emphasis on the emotional dynamics of sexual involvement.

Agreed.
However, one of the problems here is that the parents start throwing fits.
Which I feel is rather asinine.
It is as though parents (in general) do not want their children to know anything about sex until it is far to late.

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Agreed.
However, one of the problems here is that the parents start throwing fits.
Which I feel is rather asinine.
It is as though parents (in general) do not want their children to know anything about sex until it is far to late.

In Canada's case, we've long since decided that sex ed is a good thing. We aren't as hindered by a Puritan heritage as the USA is. But even there, I don't think it's the age they take issue with, it's the content. The debate usually is over what should be taught at what age. There's also the issue that sex-ed attempts to be value-neutral (which is actually impossible). And most people realize that sex is simply not value-neutral. Values mean a great deal. And in fact, that's my criticism of sex ed. It needs to explore and lay out the emotional and social consequences of sexual behavior. But once you start talking in emotional and social terms, values rear their heads. And the question is from which value set are you going to teach about sex.

[MoonWater]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Agreed.
However, one of the problems here is that the parents start throwing fits.
Which I feel is rather asinine.
It is as though parents (in general) do not want their children to know anything about sex until it is far to late.

I think the reasoning behind the thought process of such parents is that they feel if their kids learn about sex at a young age then they'll start having it sooner. What they don't realize is that in most cases(at least in my experience) the opposite is true and that kids who know about sex from a young age tend to wait as they don't feel as a great a need to "explore"

[ChristineES]

Fact: Children are exposed to sex on TV and other media, even if the parents are careful.

Fact: They should learn about it so they can be responsible about it.

Christine's opinion: They should teach it in middle school-- better if the parents teach it to their children, however.

[UltraViolet]

Should human sexuality courses be reserved for college?

If you want lots of knocked up highschool girls.... sure.

[ChristineES]

And one other thing: Let the parents know that the class is being taught and they can approve or disapprove it if they want to.

[Charity]

I think it should be taught in middle school....

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

Christine's opinion: They should teach it in middle school-- better if the parents teach it to their children, however.

I agree.
The problem is that most parents are not teaching it.
And the ones that are, seems most of them are not doing it right.

[madhatter85]

Yes, they should learn about it, BUT: (BIG BUT)

IT is not the responsibility of the school system to teach them, It is the parent's. And unfortunately there are alot of parents who think the best way to keep thier children from having sex is to keep them in the dark about it. This is absolutely false. The same thing goes for Guns. Most children shoot themselves with thier parent's firearm because they were not taught how to respect it when they got curious. If a child is old enough to be curious about any particular subject it is my belief that they should learn.

But in no way is the school system going to teach my child about sex before i teach them myself. my mother taught me about sex when i asked what our neighbor's cat was doing to our cat. i think i was 6 or 7, and i understood perfectly. my mother gave me a couple books to read and if i had any questions then i could come to her openly and talk to her without feeling embarassed.

Sex is not something to be ashamed about, But it is not something to be taken lightly. It is to be treated with respect just like verything else because there are dire consequences that can arise from abusing sex.

Sex education has no place in grade school, it should be taught in the home. I understand WHY the world says it needs to be in school. but, my child will have no need for it there.

Human sexuality courses in College are great for people who want to go down that route or want to expand thier knowlege, but as far as the basics of sexual education, they should have been taught that in the home long before.