Sex-Ed Course Change
This article I found is about a school district trying to update its middle school sex-ed course. It would now include sending racy photos and messages and also violence that goes along with dating. They speak about the new changes and also that the students cannot participate unless the parents sign a permission form.
I know the bill they passed was for parents rights, but I don't really agree with it. I think that all students should be taught to be aware of what is going on with their changing bodies and the environment around them. I understand that everyone parents differently and things change household-to-household but just like Cameron stated "From a public health standpoint, this is the only place our kids get this information. And if they opt out, they won't get it anywhere."
I also feel that knowledge is power. Some parents do not speak about sex and the changes because they want the schools to do that. With my parents my mom spoke to me and was very open about puberty but I knew many people who had no idea until they watched the movie in 4th grade that was 30+ years old.
Also, I found it very interesting to see the comments from other people reading the article if you scroll down.
What do you think about incorporating "sexting" and dating violence to the curriculum? What would you change or add?
(I also found this clip to fit particularly well: Sex Ed Discussion
The entire episode is really interesting and it ties in to a lot of what we've discussed)
~Sarah J.
I think updating the curriculum is very much needed throughout the US. Many kids never learn about sexuality, sex, and the dangers of teen dating violence or the consequences of posting or send inappropriate pictures. A lot parents feel uncomfortable talking with their children. Like the article suggests school is the only place where all children and learn this kind of knowledge. I understand the concern for parental consent when it comes to the topic of dating violence but I think kids need to know this information to protect themselves.
ReplyDelete- Nicole A.
I think the updates are very good. I don't remember hardly anything about sex education in my schools, probably because it was so outdated it seemed totally irrelevant to me. I'm glad they are adding things about sexting and dating violence because these are important "hot topics" for students to learn about, and their parents may not be the most knowledgeable source, or even know that it is happening at all. While I would hope no parents would opt their students out, I don't disagree with offering them the option. There are some religious, cultural, or personal reasons parents may not want their children learning sex information from schools, and while I may not understand or agree, they should still have the option to exert their rights in that way.
ReplyDelete-Megan A.
I also think the updates are a good idea. I know that from my sex ed. class, the lessons were outdated and made them hard to relate to. Also, by being outdated, it made it very difficult to pay attention. With updated lessons that may include sexting, I think that teens would understand sex and it's consequences much better. I can understand though why parents may have to sign a permission form. A lot of parents have certain beliefs and have certain ways of raising their children. For a schools stand point, they probably enforce permission slips to avoid law suits or other conflict. I do feel that this would be an excellent program and I really think it would help teens fully understand sex--after all, school is where most teens learn about sex.
ReplyDelete-Mary Kate B.
I think that it is very important that sex education curriculum is undated and that every student is exposed to the information that is taught. I respect parent's rights concerning their children, but at the same time I see the necessity for children to start at an early age learning about their bodies and the changes that's taking place. I do think that the information should be age sensitive and should mature as the child matures. Overall, I think that school is the only place that a lot of children actually learn about sex because it isn't discussed in the home and if parents aren't allowing the children to learn they are putting their children at a potentially dangerous disadvantage.
ReplyDelete-Jalissa B.