The Need for School-Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Some Reflections after 32 Years Teaching Sexuality to College Students

Abstract

Considerable progress has been made in the last three decades in contraceptive technology and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. However, education of the nation's youth about sexual health issues has been less successful. Most parents remain silent on the topic of sexuality while states argue over the curriculum. As a result, a sizeable proportion of young people remain ignorant about even the most basic of sexual health issues. When sexuality courses are offered, voluntary enrollment is often high. To meet this demand and end the generation-to-generation ignorance about sexuality, we must devote the resources necessary for educating today's youth.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexuality education
• sexual knowledge
• sexual health
• sexual behaviors