Despite our yearning for maturity during our high school years, the word “sex” printed out on the page in front of us may still feel a bit uncomfortable. This is not because sex is unnatural, or something to be ashamed of, but because of the hazardous stigmas and lack of information surrounding the topic in our school, state, country and society.
Sex education, or “sex ed,” refers to any form of education relating to sexual anatomy, sexual activity, birth control, safe sex, sexuality, reproductive health and rights, and so on. Sex ed provides students with the information and tools they need to make educated and safe decisions regarding sex, reproduction and relationships. It can be taught at home, in school, online or in community settings.
A common fear among those who condemn sex education is that it will encourage youth to engage in sex at a younger age and in higher-risk situations. This is an understandable viewpoint if one is uneducated on what sex ed is and what it seeks to accomplish.
The information discussed in comprehensive sex education curriculums is used in daily life, making it a critical subject to be taught in schools. Healthy relationships and sexual health are issues that are important for us all to be educated on.
Research conducted by the Nation Center for Biotechnology Information, Harvard Graduate Studies Usable Knowledge and the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that successful sex ed can result in youth feeling a greater sense of empowerment in their bodies and sexuality and use of contraceptives at higher rates.
Unfortunately, not all sex education fulfills its desired purpose. In many instances, it is meager and provides minimal information, often teaching abstinence rather than safe sex practices.
The level and requirements of the sex education curriculum vary between states; here is Utah’s stance:
Utah is one of five states that still requires consent from parents in order for a student to receive education on sex and/or sexually transmitted diseases.
A year ago, the Utah Legislature rejected HB177, a bill that would have required consent to be taught in the sex education curriculum across the state. The bill was aiming to teach the importance of utilizing consent and communication, rather than “refusal skills.” Refusal skills teach how to say “no” and how to avoid sexual misconduct. This approach, though valid in some instances, heavily places the responsibility and burden on the victim rather than the perpetrator.
Many argue that, instead of primarily focusing on how to decline unwanted conduct, our goal should be to prevent misconduct to begin with. Educating youth on the importance of consent and communication has been proven to be greatly impactful, as shown in a study performed by Harvard Graduate Studies Usable Knowledge. It has allowed youth and others who were previously unaware of the importance of consent to avoid misunderstandings and create safer sexual environments. Currently, however, refusal skills are the road taken when it comes to Utah’s sex education.
The effects of Utah’s sparse sex ed are apparent in disturbing statistics. Utah’s rate of sexual violence and sexual misconduct is higher than the national average. According to the CDC 2019 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey, on average one in seven of Utah’s high schoolers reported experiencing sexual violence in one year alone; 7.6% reported enduring forced sexual intercourse.
This is not to say that nothing is being done. I talked with members of Teen Council, a group run by Planned Parenthood striving to accurately educate youth, that teaches sex education through peer-led discussions and lessons carried out across the United States.
Teen Council is helping build safer communities through education. However, it should not be the responsibility of an external organization to educate today’s youth. Utah’s sex education curriculum is lacking, and legislation providing potential solutions has yet to be passed, but as of right now, Teen Council is doing what it can to help.
Anyone in 10th-12th grade can get involved by going to Planned Parenthood’s website and applying there.
When sex education is taught effectively, youth will be safer and feel more empowered in the choices they make. However, not all sex ed meets its much-needed objective, and Utah’s sex education curriculum is deficient.
Organizations such as Teen Council are taking action to provide Utah, and our country as a whole, with more accurate, inclusive, and extensive information regarding sex, but changes need to be made in Utah’s education system, to allow for all students to receive accurate education about themselves, and those around them.
It is inevitable that youth will be in relationships, have sex, and require answers regarding sexual health — the question is whether they will be effectively educated and prepared.
Ceci Davis
Ceci Davis, Salt Lake City, is a recent West High School graduate and community organizer and activist who is involved in various local and national activist committees, political campaigns and non-profit organizations.