Hi everyone,

The responsibilities for sex ed are widely distributed, and with the internet (and libraries) and call-in lines and public health outreach and clinics and ... each and every student that can read, text, use a phone, take a class, etc. must step-up and take ownership of learning what they need to know. This thread is an example of owning what you need to know. Unlike getting a drivers license before being allowed to legally drive a car, there's no official threshold one must demonstrate understanding and proficiency with before getting into sex.

After running a project to bring improved sex ed to public schools I have observed a few things. One, that "parents or schools failed to teach sex ed" is a cop out. Students and people in general are remarkably knowledgeable about lots of things not taught in school. School-aged students somehow know a great deal. Names of members of their favorite bands? They know it. What drugs are available in the school underground? They know. Best new apps? etc. Is Android better than iOS? They have opinions.

So, no shame or put-downs for asking, that's one way to learn. Do this for yourself, make sure you work out before you ask who is a credible and reliable source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Planned Parenthood would be credible sources, for example. Random articles or blogs on the internet? Read with caution.

The barrier for schools doing a better job is a minority of parents feel uncomfortable with the idea of children (their precious little darlings) being sexual. Over 80 percent of parents, though, would support better sex ed. But it's a soft support. Kudos to the many activists and medical professionals who have pushed through policies and legislation for scientific and medically accurate information to be provided to students. There are limits on this, however, because pleasure and truly descriptive depictions of sexual encounters are too controversial in most communities for teachers or invited speakers to delve into.

Oh, one more. In a sexual encounter there are 3 basic knowledge conditions: (a) both partners are ignorant of their risks for sexually transmitted diseases and being involved with a pregnancy; (b) both partners are fully knowledgeable about these risks; and (c) partner A knows a great deal and Partner B knows less.

The best option is B, both partners have done their diligence and agree on the wisest and safest course of action.

Option A is a personal and public health nightmare, just look at the stats on the cases of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV).

Option C is ambiguous. The partners would need to discuss what is known and decide what to do. The wisest course is to keep to safer behaviors until further research is conducted. The one who knows less would also have to defer to the knowledge of their partner for this. This involved power-interaction issues and questions of trust.

If only sex was as simple as driving!

Revu2