Why should sex education be taught in school?

In the same way that schools teach students mathematics, literature, and science to enable them to make informed decisions (and develop interests) in life, schools can empower young people by providing them with accurate, comprehensive information about sex.

Many people worry that if young people are taught about sex in school, it may be a distraction or encourage them to engage in sexual activity. While being informed may not lower rates of premarital or underage...

In the same way that schools teach students mathematics, literature, and science to enable them to make informed decisions (and develop interests) in life, schools can empower young people by providing them with accurate, comprehensive information about sex.

Many people worry that if young people are taught about sex in school, it may be a distraction or encourage them to engage in sexual activity. While being informed may not lower rates of premarital or underage sexual activity, it significantly decreases the risk of negative consequences of sex like unintended or unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and injury or discomfort caused by sexual activity.

Comprehensive sex education covers not only reproductive biology and the mechanics of reproductive sex but also describes various methods of contraception, symptoms and effects of sexually transmitted infections, and what constitutes a healthy relationship where sexual activity might be appropriate. 

In most cases, a sex-education professional is more informed than a young person's friends or parents, who are primary sources of information regarding sex and reproduction. Many parents are uncomfortable discussing sex with their child, especially if the young person is not heterosexual or is gender non-conforming. Schools have the opportunity to provide their students with the most accurate, most comprehensive information about reproductive biology and sexuality so that they may make healthier decisions for themselves in life. 

Unfortunately, abstinence-only education or telling young people "just don't do it--"much less, scare tactics like only discussing sexually transmitted infections-- do not encourage young people to develop a healthy sexuality and make good decisions. A sex education program may be part of other courses on biology and health so that students easily make connections between human biology and development and the subjects of sex and sexuality.