 |
|
Most US adults in favor of more balanced approach to sex education in schools
November 07, 2006The majority of U.S. adults, regardless of political affiliation, support a more balanced approach to sex education in schools, including teaching children about both abstinence and other methods of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, according to the results of a national survey published in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Young adults age 15 to 24 account for one-fourth of all sexually active individuals, according to background information in the article. However, they acquire about half of the new sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections-a total of 9 million infections, at a cost of $6.5 billion annually. One-fourth of youth have had sex by age 15, 37.5 by age 16 and 46.9 percent by age 17. "These data underscore the relevance of timely and informative sex education in middle and high schools as an important component to the public health goal of promoting safe behaviors and preventing additional infections and unintended pregnancies," the authors write.
Amy Bleakley, Ph.D., M.P.H., and colleagues at the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, analyzed data from 1,096 adults (average age 46.8, 46 percent men) who participated in the Annenberg National Health Communication Survey between July 2005 and January 2006. Respondents were asked about their support of three different types of sex education: abstinence-only, comprehensive and comprehensive that includes condom instruction. Participants also provided their political ideology on a seven-point scale from "extremely liberal" to "extremely conservative" as well as information about how often they attended religious services. Among the participants, 78.7 percent were white, 9.6 percent were black and 7.6 percent were Hispanic; 39.5 percent identified themselves as politically moderate, 35.5 percent as conservative and 25 percent as liberal.
Overall, 80.4 percent of participants said they believed comprehensive programs were an effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies, compared with 39 percent who said they believed abstinence-only programs were effective. Eighty-two percent of participants said they supported comprehensive sex education programs and 10 percent opposed them; 68.5 percent supported and 21 percent opposed condom instruction; and 36 percent supported and 50 percent opposed abstinence-only programs. The researchers further broke down results by political affiliation and religious behavior and found the following:
- 91.6 percent of liberals, 86.4 percent of moderates and 70 percent of conservatives supported comprehensive (also known as abstinence plus) programs, while 19 percent of conservatives, 5.3 percent of moderates and 3.7 percent of liberals opposed them
- 47 percent of conservatives supported abstinence-only education, while 67 percent of liberals, 50.4 percent of moderates and 39.9 percent of conservatives opposed it
- 37.5 percent of conservatives, 13.4 percent of moderates and 9.1 percent of liberals opposed condom instruction, while 51.2 percent of conservatives supported it; among all respondents, 57 percent disagreed that condom instruction encourages teens to have sex
- 87.4 percent of those who never attend religious services support comprehensive programs
- Among those who attend religious services more than once per week, 60.3 percent supported abstinence-only and 60.3 percent supported abstinence plus programs; 52.6 percent opposed and 37.9 percent supported condom instruction
- 31.3 percent of those who attend religious services more than once per week and 57.9 percent of those who never attend services oppose abstinence-only education
"The federal government's support of abstinence-only education is in contrast to the broad public and scientific support for comprehensive sex education demonstrated by our research review and study results. This discrepancy in the realm of sex education highlights a gap between science and policy. Sex education in schools is clearly a politically charged issue, but public opinion in this instance offers an opportunity to diffuse some of the inherent tension between science and policymaking," the authors conclude. "With such high support for comprehensive sex education among the public from liberals, conservatives and moderates alike, political leaders could capitalize on this rare occasion to enact public policy that is supported by both sound scientific evidence as well as public opinion."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Overall, 80.4 percent of participants said they believed comprehensive programs were an effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies, compared with 39 percent who said they believed abstinence-only programs were effective. Eighty-two percent of participants said they supported comprehensive sex education programs and 10 percent opposed them; 68.5 percent supported and 21 percent opposed condom instruction; and 36 percent supported and 50 percent opposed abstinence-only programs. The researchers further broke down results by political affiliation and religious behavior and found the following:
- 91.6 percent of liberals, 86.4 percent of moderates and 70 percent of conservatives supported comprehensive (also known as abstinence plus) programs, while 19 percent of conservatives, 5.3 percent of moderates and 3.7 percent of liberals opposed them
- 47 percent of conservatives supported abstinence-only education, while 67 percent of liberals, 50.4 percent of moderates and 39.9 percent of conservatives opposed it
- 37.5 percent of conservatives, 13.4 percent of moderates and 9.1 percent of liberals opposed condom instruction, while 51.2 percent of conservatives supported it; among all respondents, 57 percent disagreed that condom instruction encourages teens to have sex
- 87.4 percent of those who never attend religious services support comprehensive programs
- Among those who attend religious services more than once per week, 60.3 percent supported abstinence-only and 60.3 percent supported abstinence plus programs; 52.6 percent opposed and 37.9 percent supported condom instruction
- 31.3 percent of those who attend religious services more than once per week and 57.9 percent of those who never attend services oppose abstinence-only education
"The federal government's support of abstinence-only education is in contrast to the broad public and scientific support for comprehensive sex education demonstrated by our research review and study results. This discrepancy in the realm of sex education highlights a gap between science and policy. Sex education in schools is clearly a politically charged issue, but public opinion in this instance offers an opportunity to diffuse some of the inherent tension between science and policymaking," the authors conclude. "With such high support for comprehensive sex education among the public from liberals, conservatives and moderates alike, political leaders could capitalize on this rare occasion to enact public policy that is supported by both sound scientific evidence as well as public opinion."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Education Current Events and Education News RSSDispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third
Purchasing prescription drugs in a three-month supply rather than a one-month supply has long been regarded as a way to reduce the cost of drugs for patients and third-party payers. New research from the University of Chicago quantifies the savings for the first time.
Canadians finding it tough to shake the salt habit
Canadians know that too much salt isn't good for their diets, but half still continue to shake it on, according to a new study by University of Alberta researchers.
Research calls for better assessment of tests for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria
A rapid and accurate diagnosis is the first step towards treatment in the fight against infectious disease.
Emulating Western lifestyles: Consumption and carbon footprints in less industrialized countries
In recent decades, a new global middle class has exploded, with a total population exceeding one billion people. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research explores the consumption attitudes of some of these members of the "new class."
Today's children decide their school and career path early
'What is very striking,' says Professor Croll, 'is that for this generation there is absolutely no gender stereotyping in hopes for the future. Furthermore, what children say at the age of 11 about school participation after the age of 16 is highly predictive of their actual behaviour.'
Continuous chest compression-CPR improved cardiac arrest survival in Arizona
The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest outside a hospital was found to be twice as high when bystanders performed continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing than when bystanders performed standard CPR.
Enjoying school key to tackling teenage pregnancy
Youth development programmes that tackle deprivation and help children and young people enjoy school are successful in reducing teenage pregnancy rates.
Teens' mental health affects how long they stay in school, new study shows
Queen's University researcher Steven Lehrer has won a prestigious international award in recognition of his contributions to health economics.
Rethinking sexism: A daughter-father team examines how society maintains the status quo
There is a tendency to think that only men treat women in a sexist way, but a new study by a University of Miami researcher and his daughter shows that both men and women participate in maintaining a gender hierarchy in our society.
UT Knoxville and ORNL researchers turn algae into high-temperature hydrogen source
In the quest to make hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel source, researchers have been stymied about how to create usable hydrogen that is clean and sustainable without relying on an intensive, high-energy process that outweighs the benefits of not using petroleum to power vehicles.
More Education Current Events and Education News Articles
 |
Teaching Outside the Box: How to Grab Your Students By Their Brains by LouAnne Johnson (Author) From seating plans to Shakespeare, Teaching Outside the Box offers practical strategies that will help both new teachers and seasoned veterans create dynamic classroom environments where students enjoy learning and teachers enjoy teaching. This indispensable book is filled with no-nonsense advice, checklists, and handouts as well as A step-by-step plan to make the first week of school a success Approaches for creating a positive discipline plan Methods for motivating students, especially reluctant readers Strategies for successful classroom management Suggestions for creating and grading student portfolios |
 |
An Incomplete Education: 3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn't by Judy Jones (Author), William Wilson (Author) When it was originally published in 1987, An Incomplete Education became a surprise bestseller. Now this instant classic has been completely updated, outfitted with a whole new arsenal of indispensable knowledge on global affairs, popular culture, economic trends, scientific principles, and modern arts. Here’s your chance to brush up on all those subjects you slept through in school, reacquaint yourself with all the facts you once knew (then promptly forgot), catch up on major developments in the world today, and become the Renaissance man or woman you always knew you could be! How do you tell the Balkans from the Caucasus? What’s the difference between fission and fusion? Whigs and Tories? Shiites and Sunnis? Deduction and induction? Why aren’t all Shakespearean comedies... |
 |
The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School by Neil Postman (Author) Postman suggests that the current crisis in our educational system derives from its failure to supply students with a translucent, unifying "narrative" like those that inspired earlier generations. Instead, today's schools promote the false "gods" of economic utility, consumerism, or ethnic separatism and resentment. What alternative strategies can we use to instill our children with a sense of global citizenship, healthy intellectual skepticism, respect of America's traditions, and appreciation of its diversity? In answering this question, The End of Education restores meaning and common sense to the arena in which they are most urgently needed.
|
 |
Declining by Degrees: Higher Education at Risk Starring: Artist Not Provided In this revealing documentary, veteran correspondent John Merrow takes you behind the ivy-covered walls of our colleges and universities to see if they are delivering on their promise. |
 |
Real Education: Four Simple Truths for Bringing America's Schools Back to Reality by Charles Murray (Author) "The most talked-about education book this semester." —New York Times Based on a series of controversial Wall Street Journal op-eds, this landmark manifesto gives voice to what everyone knows about talent, ability, and intelligence but no one wants to admit. With four truths as his framework, Charles Murray, the bestselling coauthor of The Bell Curve, sweeps away the hypocrisy, wishful thinking, and upside-down priorities that grip America’s educational establishment. •Ability varies. Children differ in their ability to learn, but America’s educational system does its best to ignore this. •Half of the children are below average. Many children cannot learn more than rudimentary reading and math. Yet decades of policies have required schools to divert... |
 |
An Education Soundtrack (Performer) The Education score is by Paul Englishby. It features 'Smoke Without Fire' performed by Duffy 'Your Heart Is As Black As Night' performed by Melody Gardot and 'J'ai Deux Amours' performed by Madeleine Peyroux. The movie is set in 1960s London, Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a bright 17 year old preparing to go to Oxford. After she meets a much older man (Peter Saarsgard) who smoothly romances her with flattery, stories and weekends in Paris, Jenny abandons her University plans, to the horror and consternation of her hard working father (Alfred Molina) and a teacher (Emma Thompson). Jenny must come of age and decide what is her real education. Soundtrack is by noted composer Paul Englishby (Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day) and includes recognizable 60s pop songs performed by Ray Charles, Mel... |
 |
The Creative Teacher: An Encyclopedia of Ideas to Energize Your Curriculum (McGraw-Hill Teacher Resources) by Steve Springer (Author), Brandy Alexander (Author), Kimberly Persiani-Becker (Author) A comprehensive, practical resource packed with proven techniques and seasoned advice for time-strapped educators For teachers of grades K-6 Facing ever-more-demanding state standards and less disciplined students, even the most experienced teacher carries a heavier burden today than ever before. The Creative Teacher offers inventive tools to enhance standards-based curricula and helpful strategies for creating new and engaging lesson plans. Fillled with fresh ideas for everything from bulletin boards to math activities, this one-stop resource will quickly become the most valuable volume in your library. |
 |
Re-Education (Through Labor) Rise Against (Primary Contributor) |
 |
K'NEX EDUCATION Intro to Simple Machines: Gears-198 pcs by K'NEX These K'Nex kits inspire young minds and satisfy kids' curiosity on how to construct simple machines. Each innovative kit keeps young builders busy and intrigued for hours at a time. This Gears Kit builds seven different models and allows kids to work solo or as a team. The models demonstrate spur, crown, chain and sprocket gear assemblies. Includes a compartmentalized storage case with snap-on lid. Curriculum sold separately. |
 |
First Year Teacher's Survival Guide: Ready-To-Use Strategies, Tools & Activities for Meeting the Challenges of Each School Day (J-B Ed: Survival Guides) by Julia G. Thompson (Author) The best-selling First Year Teacher's Survival Kit gives new teachers a wide variety of tested strategies, activities, and tools for creating a positive and dynamic learning environment while meeting the challenges of each school day. Packed with valuable tips, the book helps new teachers with everything from becoming effective team players and connecting with students to handling behavior problems and working within diverse classrooms. The new edition is fully revised and updated to cover changes in the K-12 classroom over the past five years. Updates to the second edition include: |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |