The nature of sex education can vary widely from one school district to another. Programs can range
from abstinence-based models to more controversial approaches, such as this 1991 high school condom
‘‘give away.’’ (Rotolo/Gamma Liaison Network)programs achieved these goals. Increase in reproduc-
tive knowledge did not necessarily lead to responsible
decision making about sexual choices. Improving ac-
cess to contraceptives did not decrease teen pregnan-
cy or increase use of contraceptives. But there have
been many things learned from both successful and
unsuccessful programs as is discussed below.
Basically, sex education programs are divided
into two approaches: abstinence-only and abstinence-
based. Abstinence-only education focuses on absti-
nence (not having sexual intercourse) as the only
choice for adolescents until marriage. Other birth-
control measures are not taught. Abstinence-based
education covers all birth-control methods with a
greater emphasis on abstinence as the method of
choice. Abstinence-only programs increased in num-
ber, comprising only 2 percent of all sex education
programs in 1988 but 23 percent in 1999. There was
increased federal and state funding for abstinence-
until-marriage education as part of the 1996 federal
welfare reform legislation.
Ninety-three percent of Americans support
teaching sexuality education to high school students
and 84 percent support sexuality education to mid-
dle/junior high school students. In spite of this sup-
port, sex education in schools is a controversial issue
on federal, state, and local levels. The controversy
surrounding abstinence-only versus abstinence-based
programs centers around the belief that teaching stu-
dents how to use birth-control methods will only en-
courage them to be sexually active. Politics plays a
part in which policies are adopted in school districts.
The federal government increased funding for absti-
nence-only programs in the later 1990s. This, along
with increased funding for HIV and AIDS prevention
programs and for teen pregnancy prevention pro-
grams, has contributed to state and local trends to-
ward encouraging abstinence-only programs.
Additionally the conservatism of the administration
of George W. Bush, along with the strength of reli-
gious conservatives in some areas of the country, has
contributed to the growing number of abstinence-
only programs in schools.
Research has thus far failed to support the claim
that knowledge of birth-control methods actually in-
creases sexual activity. There was a decrease in teen-
age sexual activity and adolescent pregnancy rates
from 1991 to 1997. Sexual activity rose again, howev-
er, from 1997 to 1999. Abstinence accounts for about
one-quarter of the decline in pregnancy, while three-
quarters is due to better use of contraceptives, espe-
cially long-term methods. In a 1999 survey, the Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention found that 65
percent of students have sexual intercourse before the
end of high school. Adolescents are having sex at a
younger age and are engaging in high-risk behaviors
such as having multiple sex partners.
Topics included in sex education vary from pro-
gram to program. Typically puberty is discussed, es-
pecially in the early adolescent years. Many programs
also cover physiology, STDs, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy,
and parenthood. Less frequently covered topics in-358 SEX EDUCATION