Should sex education be required in all 50 states? | The Tylt

One major objection to sex education is the concern that giving kids more information about sex encourages more sexual activity. But in a study of 35 sex education programs around the world, the World Health Organization found no evidence that comprehensive programs increase kids' sexual activity.

Some parents say information about sex should only be taught at home, where parents can impart their own values to their children. Religious conservatives argue that comprehensive sex education classes taught in schools contradict their religious values by including information about contraception, abortion and homosexuality.

Studies show repeatedly that accurate sex education in schools reduces STI transmission and teen pregnancy. The "New England Journal of Medicine" revealed:

The rate of teenage pregnancy in the United States is higher than in other developed nations. Teenage births result in substantial costs, including public assistance, health care costs, and income losses due to lower educational attainment and reduced earning potential....Teenage girls and women who were provided contraception at no cost and educated about reversible contraception and the benefits of LARC methods had rates of pregnancy, birth, and abortion that were much lower than the national rates for sexually experienced teens.

Abstinence-only education has received millions of dollars in federal funding, partly because it's the only type of sexual education that religious conservatives don't object to. Parents who think homosexuality, birth control, abortion, and premarital sex are morally wrong simply do not want their children being taught about the subjects in school.