LeftCoast

I, and no-one else that I've ever talked to have a problem with abstinence being taught as an option (whether first or one among many). The problem comes from the "abstinence-only" crowd that shove their heads firmly into the sand and pretend that the only reason that teenagers have sex is because they hear from their sex-ed class that it might be fun. Having gone to school long before Sex-ed became a staple of HS curricula I can safely say that you don't need to tell teenagers that sex can be fun.

Celsus

Since when does advocating condom use mean that abstinence isn't taught? Abstinence is explicitly and consistently cited as the only 100% safe way to prevent any of the problems. It is precisely the first thing that's taught. However, if you don't follow up and teach proper condom use, with teenagers being what they are, it's a surefire way to spread STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Condoms are only 90% effective against STDs (including HIV/AIDS), but that's still 90% more effective than no condom. No other forms of contraception can prevent the spread of STDs.

Joel

Ultron

This is exactly what needs to be taught, that abstinence is the best way of getting pregnant or STD's. I've never said abstinence isn't taught. Another classic example of someone making an arguement for me that I've never said.

There is a difference between a) saying absitinence is the only way, and not teaching about the other methods, and b) teaching abstinence is the best way and teaching all the methods.

You put me in category "a)" with no help from me. I've been advocating category "b)" - Mind you, I'm now strung out on coffee and Dr. Pepper.

Celsus

I apologise for not realising that while you kept using fallacious arguments from the category (a) crowd, you were in fact, in category (b).

Ultron

Hey man it happens. I definitely am strong about teaching abstinence. It's probably only too common that I get thrown in with that crowd. Peace.

Clutch

Ultron, what you're calling a misunderstanding seems to arise from any attempt to interpret your post as relevant.

Daggah argued that safe sex programmes including instructions on condom use were very effective in France. You replied, Was there a point to this statement? Was it supposed to be a way of saying, "Yes, Daggah -- good point! By the way, here are some other sentences of English!" Because it looked rather like an expression of disagreement: relevant, in other words, but false.

JCS

Is the urge for sex just a simple yes or no option? Do humans really have that much control over their biology? If education can circumvent our inborn desire to do the nasty can education circumvent other parts of our biology, such as growing old or being tall instead of short?

IMHO abstinence is a ignorant concept that just ignores our biology by just simply wishing it away.

Ultron

Daggah and I have a long history of disgreeing with each other. It was more a kneejerk reaction without enough caffeine.

Jat

What many don't seem to realize is that what we call venerial diseases were once spread through the air. They evolved when we started to cover ourselves to be passed through sexual contact. They will evolve to met any challenge.

Jat

Plus, with the newer plastic condoms this is even less of a problem.