Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently completed a long-term study which suggests that “abstinence-only” education might actually work. The study, published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, followed 662 African-American middle school students for three years. Half of the students received sex-education classes that included information about contraceptives and half received abstinence-only education. The researchers found that one third of the students who received the abstinence-only education had their first sexual encounter within two years. During that same period of time one-half the students who received sex-education plus contraceptive information had their first sexual encounter.

At first glance one might think that abstinence-only education must be far better. A drop in sexual activity from fifty percent to thirty-three percent is significant. Some have even gone so far as to say that this information is “policy changing” and have put the Obama administration on alert.

But before you race off to discuss the matter with your state representative or local school board, consider the following:

1. This is the ONLY study among dozens that has found abstinence-only education to have any significant affect on sexual activity among adolescents and teens.  Every other study (and I mean every) has found abstinence-only education programs to result in an increase in teen pregnancy. On the other hand, comprehensive sex education programs that include abstinence-only information have been shown in countless studies to be more effective in reducing the pregnancy rate among adolescents and teens. Yet these studies are ignored by policy makers and school boards across the country. Don’t focus on this one study at the expense of considering all the research.
2. Did you know that studies have shown that those students who receive abstinence-only education are less likely to use birth control when they have sex? This results in an increase in the birth rate among adolescents and teens who do not receive a comprehensive approach to sex education. If you notice, the University of Pennsylvania study looked at the percent of students who had sex for the first time in the two years following their education. What we know from other studies is that students who are given the knowledge on how to protect themselves are more likely to do so, regardless of when their first sexual encounter occurs.
3. It is not enough to teach abstinence only. We must move away from the idea of only teaching kids how to not get pregnant. We must teach values, communication skills, and decision-making strategies. We must teach kids how to have respect for their bodies and the bodies of others. We must teach sexuality education, not sex education. Our goal should be to teach abstinence PLUS sexuality, not abstinence only.
4. Our purpose and focus should be one of supporting our children in becoming fabulous, wonderful, sexual, responsible people. Sexuality education is about helping children learn how to experience themselves and experience other people with dignity and grace.  We are in the position of helping our children shape the entire way they experience life. Abstinence PLUS sexuality offers a way for that to take place.
5. Let’s not leave this in the hands of a school teacher. It is time for parents to become sexuality educators. Do you want your children to learn the answers to their questions by what others tell them or by leaping to their own conclusions? Or, would you rather guide them and show them? Be the sexuality educator in your home through modeling a healthy relationship with your partner and supporting open, honest discussions about gender, intimacy, and love. Teach your children to respect their bodies and honor the bodies of others with gentle touch and a loving heart. Be available to answer any questions that may arise, and look for frequent, small teaching moments.

Reclaim your role as a sexuality educator today. Teach ABSTINENCE PLUS in your home.  If you need help, trained professionals are available to assist you in your role. The leading organization of these professionals in the United States is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. AASECT is a certification and regulatory organization for professionals and a trusted resource for parents. Visit their website for more information at www.aasect.org.

Thomas Haller
Certified Diplomate of Sex Therapy