13.+Sexual+Knowledge

//Sexual Knowledge: Does it Make a Difference? //

How do we gain sexual knowledge in the US and other countries? Sexual education is a fairly broad term as it covers a wide variety of information, is taught in different ways, through many different sources. We learn from our parents and other family members, peers, school-based programs, media, and society in general.


 * ==Contents==
 * [|1] [|Overview]
 * [|2] [|Cultural and Religious Influence]
 * 3. __Why is Sex Education Needed?__
 * __ Current Thoughts and Trends __
 * __ Statistics __
 * __ HIV/AIDS __
 * __ Unplanned Pregnancy and Adolescents __
 * __ STI's/Std's __
 * __Target Audience__
 * [|4] [|History]
 * __Changes in Sex Education and Government Involvement__
 * __What May Affect Changes in the Future?__
 * [|5] [|Focus and Methods of Education Across the Globe]
 * [|North America]
 * __ United States __
 * __ Other Countries __
 * __ Kenya __
 * __ China __
 * __ France __
 * __ Germany __
 * __ Australia __
 * [|6] [|Effectiveness]
 * __ HIV/AIDS __
 * __ Unplanned Pregnancy and Adolescents __
 * __ STI's/STD's __
 * [|7] [|Summary]
 * [|8] [|References]
 * [|9] [|External links] ||

__Overview __

 * A. Who? -Who decides what to teach?
 * B. What? -What are the impacts of sex ed?
 * C. Where? -Where is it done?
 * D. When? -When did this idea begin?
 * E. Why? -Why did it start?
 * F. How? -How has it affected us as a society?

==__Cultural and Religious Influence __==

==== B. Other countries - Cultural and religious influence on sexual education exists to some degree in most countries around the world. Many countries are very conservative in the their sexual education practices because of religious or cultural beliefs. Sexual health is a taboo topic in traditional families within many religious and cultural groups. Some countries teach no education regarding contraception, normal sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted infections or concepts of ovulation and timing of pregnancies. The onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has led to more acceptance in more countries than in the past for some aspects of sexual education. Sex education that encompasses more than just the mechanical components for STI/STD, HIV/AIDS and adolescent unplanned pregnancy prevention is not the norm in very many places in the world. More comprehensive and progressive sexual education does exist in some countries and is considered successful where it is taught.====
 * A. United States - Sexual education programs in the United States are strongly influenced by culture and religion. Many of the laws and guidelines that outline the types and methods of teaching sexual education are derived from religious views on sexual activity. All organized religions, except one (Reform Judaism) believe that sexual acts should only occur within the confines of marriage. Most religions even believe that sex should only occur for the purpose of procreation. Religious beliefs also play a big part in contraceptive use in marriages. Religions vary in their approval or disapproval of contraception in general, when and what types are acceptable in what situations. The abstinence-only method that is used in the majority of schools in U.S. states is centered on the idea that the only safe sex is abstaining from sexual activity until marriage. This goes along with the fundamental beliefs of most religions. The United States government has provided tremendous amounts of funding for the abstinence-only sexual education program.

==__Why is Sex Education Needed? __==
 * Current thoughts/trends.What were the initial thoughts/trends in the beginning?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Statistics
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">HIV/AIDS
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Without knowledge of HIV/AIDS and how to protect yourself from them it would be hard to avoid them
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Unplanned Pregnancy and Adolescents
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Informing adolescents of the reprucions of unplanned pregnancies and how to avoid them should help them make more informed decisions
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">STI’s/STD’s
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">More knowledge of what STI's/STD's are and how to avoid them helps keep us safer
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In studies accross the country youths are more sexualy active yet have a lower rate of STD and STI contraction. While the older generations that had little to no sexual education have a higher rate of contration due in part to unsafe sexual practices.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Target Audience
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A. U.S.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. High Schools
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Several High Schools across the U.S. offer classes for an even further break down of subject matter
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Middle Schools/Jr. Highs
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some 7th and 8th grade schools offer additional sex ed for a better understanding of subject matter
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Elementary SchoolsB. Other countries
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sex ed starts at 5th grade in many states
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Different age groups
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Many countries do not offer sex ed in any form
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1.1. Adolescents
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some countries across the globe start to teach sex ed as early as 5 years old
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1.2. Adults
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are many programs and websites available for adult sexual education
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are many programs and websites available for adult sexual education

__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">History __

 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changes in Sex Education and government involvement.


 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A poll ran by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the Harvard's Kennedy School of Government discovered that only 7% of Americans appose having sexual education taught in schools. This poll also found that in most places the kinds of subject matter that should be taught didn't differ very much. Although there are pockets of controversy. Further a survey done in parallel to this pole finds that teaching sexual education has little serious conflict in their communities with today's more open minded society. In these communities only 26% of school principals reported a debate on what should be taught in sexual education. Even fewer reported any elected official or religious leaders contacting them to change what was being taught in their community.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Only 15% of americans are for an abstinence only program. While 46% prefer an abstinence-plus. A method of teaching abstinence is best with the understanding that not all adolecence will abstain from sexual activity and thus giving access to information on how to use and obtain condoms.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In the past sex ed taught about avoiding pregnancy and std's. Now some parents are worried about the sexual acts having an adverse effect on their child's psyche. When asked what concerns them most about their children having sexual intercourse parents answered; 36% not phychologically and emotionally ready, 29% disease of which 23% said HIV/AIDS and the remaining 6% said other diseases, while only 23% worried about pregnancy.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What may affect changes in the future?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Any rise in adolescent unplanned pregnancy or an increase in a specific STI or STD could result in a change to the subject matter or the methods of Sex Ed

==__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Focus and Methods of Sex Education Across the Globe __==

>> >> >> > <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">There is a wide range of methods in which sexual education is taught around the world. Each country has its own history and resulting policies regarding when and how this subject should be addressed.
 * North America
 * United States
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Each state determines its own curriculum standards as there are no current federal guidelines. Sex Education programs can be found in elementary, middle, and high schools (majority begins at fifth grade level), colleges, family planning and health clinics, and community organizations serving youth. The focus of sexual education includes abstinence, abstinence plus, or comprehensive programs.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Abstinence only programs are defined as those that encourage delaying the onset of sexual behavior (some programs specify ‘until marriage’) and discourage use of contraceptives due to their potential ineffectiveness against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Abstinence plus programs promote abstinence as the best policy for adolescents and discuss use of contraceptives as effective against pregnancy, HIV, and STI’s [7]. Comprehensive programs promote abstinence, use of contraceptives for those that are sexually active, and provides information about healthy sexual behaviors.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">There many different methods with which sexual education is delivered. Peer education is defined as “the teaching or sharing of health information, values and behaviors by members of similar age or status groups” [5]. Another way to share information is through Video Based and Computer Based Interventions. These programs can be viewed in health clinics, school classrooms, or the adolescent’s home. The information most often is specific to a particular subject (e.g. STI/STD’s) and uses “dialogue, music, images, and stories that would appeal to the adolescents.” [4].
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Other Countries__
 * Kenya
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">S <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">exual education has historically been met with considerable religious opposition and information, education, and counseling services regarding sexual health has been provided by non-governmental agencies. Though the subject is still considered taboo, due to increased teen pregnancies, STI’s, and HIV/AIDS, public awareness is increasing [6]. In 2008, the Kenyan government launched a life skills program in primary and high schools (ages 10-19). The focus of this curriculum is to increase knowledge of sexual health and reproduction, reinforce community morals and values, and encourage youth to make positive behavior choices.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">China
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sexual education has been integrated in curricula throughout primary and secondary education in “carrier subjects of biology, psychological health, physical education and health” [2]. The primary focus historically has been ‘abstinence only’ yet support for more comprehensive programs is increasing.
 * France
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Sexual education is mandatory for all students in primary and secondary schools. Focus of sex education includes biological and psychological, “- emotional, social, cultural and ethical dimensions of sexuality-, prevention and reduction of sexual risks, the fight against violence and sexual exploitation of young people, and the fight against racism and homophobia-” [1]. Instruction regarding these topics is often delivered by teachers, health professionals within schools, and community professionals.
 * Germany
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The ‘Pregnancy and Family Aid Act’ established in 1990 established formal guidelines for mandatory instruction of all students to include “- <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">knowledge about contraceptives and biological procedures, it must also address emotions and consider aspects of relationship and gender, different life values, ethics and communication.” [1] These topics are taught in classes such as Biology, Religion, Ethics, and Citizenship. Additionally, instruction is provided in various youth oriented community service locations (e.g. youth centers and child care facilities) and information and counseling through internet and telephone.
 * Australia
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In 1967, the New South Wales Department of Education began to formally incorporate sex education classes in secondary level curriculum. Under the subject ‘Family Life’ students learned about biological, emotional, and psychosocial sexual development [7]. In the latter part of the 1980’s, further reforms were made to due to the AIDS crisis. “ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">While the initial school-level response to AIDS was to focus upon disease transmission, more recently there has been an increased focus upon comprehensive sex education” [7].

__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Effectiveness __

 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">HIV/AIDS - Sexual education has had a significant impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS all over the world since awareness of its existence. Sex education played a big part in the decrease of sexual activity, as well as increased condom usage, which assisted in the decline in HIV/AIDS growth. Teaching proper use of condoms, as well as providing free condoms attributed to the slowing down of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. After declining for many years, HIV/AIDS cases are beginning to increase. This comes partially from complacency after the many years of decline. In the United States, there does not appear to be any statistical evidence (yet) that indicates the prevalence of the abstinence-only sexual education teaching is playing a significant part in the HIV/AIDS cases resurgence.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Unplanned Pregnancy and Adolescents - Some types of sexual education have been effective in reducing adolescent unplanned pregnancies. Although, the abstinence-only method has had no significant long term effect on delaying sexual intercourse or reducing the number of unplanned adolescent pregnancies. In most studies, abstinence-only sexual education statistics are not much different than those compared with no sexual education for unplanned adolescent pregnancies. Comprehensive sex education has shown significant correlation to fewer adolescent unplanned pregnancies and has also been marginally associated with a lower likelihood of having had sex at an earlier age. Newer, somewhat informal programs of faith-based promises (known as "pledging", "virginity promises") have been shown to be successful in delaying sexual activity later than their peers, which has had some positive effect on lowering the number of adolescent unplanned pregnancies within those groups.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">STI’s/STD’s - Abstinence-only education has been shown to have only a small impact on the number of cases of STIs/STDs. Its primary focus on just teaching abstinence until marriage does not provide enough education about STIs/STDs and condom use to give proper information and instruction to help prevent STI's/STD's. More comprehensive sexual education programs have had a larger effect on lowering instances of STI's/STD's in places where sexual education is broader and encompasses more than abstinence-only. Earlier learning from schools, churches or community organizations along with greater input from schools on various sexual topics appears to have the most significant impact on reducing the frequency of oral sex and sexual intercourse. Receiving more comprehensive, full sexual education at schools, churches or community organizations was associated with more likelihood of postponing sexual intercourse, being virgins and using protection or contraception at first sexual intercourse. Thereby, also reducing the likelihood of STI's/STD's, as well as unplanned adolescent pregnancies.

__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summary __
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The morals and values of a society have a large impact on the policies and guidelines they establish regarding sexual education. Societies range from considering the topic of sex taboo and unwilling to address sexual education to open discussion and governmental support. As countries deal with increases in unintended pregnancies, STI's, and HIV/AIDS they are forced to deal with this topic and find solutions to decrease the negative consequences of unhealthy sexual behavior.

__<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bibliography __
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Britton, A. (Ed.). (2006, December 27). Sexuality Education in Europe. //Der WWW2-Webserver — Portal//. Retrieved November 01, 2011, from []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Division for the Coordination of UN Priorities in Education, Comp. //Levers of Success: Case Studies of National Sexuality Education Programmes//. Rep. Paris: Unesco, 2010. Web. Http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001884/188495e.pdf//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//3. Fransen-dos Santos, Raoul. "Young people, sexual and reproductive health and HIV."// Bulletin of the World Health <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Organization //87.11 (2009): 877-879.// Academic Search Premier//. EBSCO. Web. 23 Oct. 2011.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//[|http://library.cocc.edu:2048/login?url=http://library.cocc.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=49141747&]// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//[|site=ehost-live]//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//4. Kirby, Douglas. "Abstinence, Sex, And STD/HIV Education Programs For Teens: Their Impact On Sexual Behavior, Pregnancy, And Sexually Transmitted Disease."// Annual Review Of Sex Research //18.(2007): 143-177.// Academic Search Premier//. Web. 3 Nov. 2011.[]//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//5. Price, Neil, and Sarah Knibbs. "How Effective is Peer Education in Addressing Young People’s Sexual and// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Reproductive Health Needs in Developing Countries?."// Children & Society //23.4 (2009): 291-302.// Academic Search <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Premier//. EBSCO. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. []//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//6.// Wanjala, Joanne. "Kenyans Clash in Debate to Bring Sex Education Into Schools." //Global Press Institute//. Global Press Institute, 15 Sept. 2011. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://www.globalpressinstitute.org/print/804>.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Weaver, Heather, Gary Smith, and Susan Kippax. "School‐Based Sex Education Policies And Indicators Of Sexual Health Among Young People: A Comparison Of The Netherlands, France, Australia And The United States." //Sex Education// 5.2 (2005): 171-188. //Academic Search Premier//. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//8.Yu, Juping. "Sex education beyond school: implications for practice and research."// Sex Education //10.2 (2010):// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//187-199.// Academic Search Premier//. EBSCO. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. []