I feel that there are topics the parents should be able to opt out of, but certain parts that they should not. I feel like non-opt out able topics should be like:

Basic anatomies of males and females
How conception works
What can go wrong
and STD information

I feel like the more personal things, such as choosing contraception, how it reflects an individuals life and beliefs, and the emotional benefits and problems that surround sex maybe could be opt-outable.

On the other hand, I feel that if you see the curriculum and have a topic you disagree with, you can just talk to your kid after class. Explain WHY you disagree with what they were taught, and then tell them your view on the topic. If they're old enough to be talking about contraception, they're old enough to be thinking on their own and to consider different views.

I dunno, I feel like it really SHOULD be a parents job to teach the kids things (Having a teacher tell you to be careful about how much you drink and to respect your body will rarely change the chance of date rape, but they listen to their parents), but that there are many parents who WON'T talk about it. I dunno, I feel like opting out of the even the general anatomy part of sex ed is what has kids douching with Mountain Dew for contraception. :/ less

I feel that there are topics the parents should be able to opt out of, but certain parts that they should not. I feel like non-opt out able topics should be like:

Basic anatomies of males and females
How conception works
What can go wrong
and STD information

I feel like the more personal things, such as choosing contraception, how it reflects an individuals life and beliefs, and the emotional benefits and problems that surround sex maybe could be opt-outable.

On the other hand, I feel that if you see the curriculum and have a topic you disagree with, you can just talk to your kid after class. Explain WHY you disagree with what they were taught, and then tell them your view on the topic. If they're old enough to be talking about contraception, they're old enough to be thinking on their own and to consider different views.

I dunno, I feel like it really SHOULD be a parents job to teach the kids things (Having a teacher tell you to be careful about how much you drink and to respect your body will rarely change the chance of date rape, but they listen to their parents), but that there are many parents who WON'T talk about it. I dunno, I feel like opting out of the even the general anatomy part of sex ed is what has kids douching with Mountain Dew for contraception. :/ less

"No matter what individual beliefs may be regarding sexual education, it is a public matter. Access should be easily available and the literature should be accurate."

This really struck a cord with me today and I find myself in total agreement.

Parents are allowed have their children to "opt out" of nearly all sex ed types of classes, so that religious beliefs are not contradicted or so that parents can teach sex ed as they choose, at home.

But I truly think that, should a child be taught sex ed in school, the most important thing is the requirement that all info being given to our children is accurate and up to date and made available to them, not hidden away or lied about. That they be presented with age appropriate choices and facts that reflect research and science, not personal opinion or local mores.

Your thoughts?

I'd also like to thank ALL the folks who have tacked the SexIs Subjective question this month! It's been interesting reading! less