Sex Education
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Sex education is one of the controversial topics of discussion. Many people argue that it is the work of parents to teach their children about sex. However, some critics contend that children should be taught sex education in school. With this argument, children end up without a thorough or no sex education from either their parents or schools. Consequently, many children end up having sex that leads to early pregnancy or contraction of sexually transmitted infections. Conversely, sex education should be taught in school because it will help students in understanding the process of reproduction, procreation, and safe sex, which will prevent teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Through the video on Last Week Tonight, John Oliver tackled the conversation that most schools and parents are embarrassed to teach. With safe and appropriate humor used, Oliver intends to persuade, influence, and inform both the parents and academic institution of the importance of sex education. After watching the video, I feel that Oliver drew the right conversation about sex education. With sex education considered a taboo in many parts of the world, Oliver brings forth some relevant facts about sex education. He uses an example of a vintage sex education tape starring two teenagers bowling to bring out the fact that there is no required standard for sex education. With the case, he means that Sex education varies widely between school districts; thus, children are left without comprehensive information about sex. Giving an example of Mississippi, Oliver says, “sex education is allowed, but condom demonstrations are not.” First, this system that allows sex education but denies condom demonstration is vague and lame because of condom designed for sexual use. Thus limiting the policies that advocate for condom demonstration is like avoiding to give students complete information on sex education. Second, this is ironical because Mississippi is ranked number two in teenage pregnancy; therefore, for the state to curb this, they need to have complete or comprehensive sex education.
“According to Oliver, one of the biggest things missing from most sex education programs in the U.S. is a frank conversation about consent” (Oliver, 2015). I agree with this statement because many schools operate under policies and system that dictates what and how sex education should be taught. Precisely many schools offer abstinence as the only sex education program. However, abstinence is a choice for many children who are sexually active but not having sex. Equally poorly designed abstinence programs can do more harm than good.
Most parents send their children to school to attain the social skills that will help them in their future lives and careers. Similarly, sex education should be taught in school so that children can gain social skills to face early pregnancy, safe sex, and sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, I agree with Oliver that Sex education is what we what because there is no way we can allow academic programs to fail to prepare students for life after school. There is no need for children to attend school and be taught how to scrutinize research reports and news articles when they are not informed about sex. For example, a child might be bright in class, but due to a lack of sex education, he/she might engage in sexual activities that can infect him/her with deadly diseases.
Conclusively I agree with Oliver that comprehensive sex education should be taught in school and at home because kids have questions that need answers. Conversely, sex education, when done so well, can be much good, and when poorly done, it means nothing. Therefore complete sex education is what we need both at home and school.
Reference
Oliver, J., 2015. Sex Education: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0jQz6jqQS0