WCPSS - abstinence only? (condo, school, versus)

[muse1110]

Reading through the 'WCPSS Character Education' I read that the expectation is for students to abstain from premarital sex. Further, premarital sex is listed amoung 'harmful behaviors'.

This is new for us, we are not accustomed to state education (in a country with separation of church and state) teaching young people that sex is 'harmful behavior' if one is not married.

Is premarital sex a misdemeanor in Wake County? I understand adultery is a misdemeanor, punishable by law.

There is no way we would agree that premarital sex is categorically 'harmful', this is not factually correct. Does anyone know if there is some kind of waiver we can sign to opt out of 'character ed' when it comes to abstinence only indoctrination?

Thanks!

[cooperwx]

They're not teaching abstinence because premarital sex is illegal, or because of any affiliation with a church. And while premarital sex is not always harmful, there is a risk.

I'm sure there is a waiver.

[lamishra]

Yes, you can opt out.

[bargainmom]

Thanks for the laugh. Hmm chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, and unplanned pregnancy and emotional distress. None of these are harmful to teenagers?

[raccemup]

Originally Posted by bargainmom

Thanks for the laugh. Hmm chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, and unplanned pregnancy and emotional distress. None of these are harmful to teenagers?

They are. Which is why it's ridiculous that abstinence is being taught instead of actual safe sex methods. Teenagers who are going to have premarital sex are going to have it regardless of whether they are "taught" that absitence is best. It's safer for them be armed with knowledge of STD's and how to use a condom to prevent them and unwanted pregnancies. My DH just wrote a paper for his MSW about how areas with abstinence policies actually have a higher teen pregnancy rate. Sorry, i don't have the stats on that, he just told me that when he was researching his paper.

[cooperwx]

Originally Posted by raccemup

They are. Which is why it's ridiculous that abstinence is being taught instead of actual safe sex methods. Teenagers who are going to have premarital sex are going to have it regardless of whether they are "taught" that abstinence is best. It's safer for them be armed with knowledge of STD's and how to use a condom to prevent them and unwanted pregnancies.

Boy, this is gonna be a 9+ page debate. I think the OP's question has been answered...

[lamishra]

I read another study recently that tracked teenagers across the county who participated in abstinence only versus comprehensive sex education programs. Their conclusion was that the rates of premarital sex amongst abstinence only participants were basically the same as those who received comprehensive sex education. There was no "advantage" to abstinence only programs when it came to actual rates of premarital sex.

[lamishra]

Well, I don't see why it even needs to be a debate. Parents can teach thier kids what they want and parents can opt out of abstinence only in Wake County if they choose. They're not being forced into it.

[OmegaBaby]

Not only is adultery illegal, but up until the courts struck it down last year, two adults simply cohabitating was illegal.
http://www.newsobserver.com/662/story/462833.html

<soapbox-rant>Government should stay out of my bedroom and spend that money and effort fixing the roads!</soapbox-rant>

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by muse1110

Reading through the 'WCPSS Character Education' I read that the expectation is for students to abstain from premarital sex. Further, premarital sex is listed amoung 'harmful behaviors'.

This is new for us, we are not accustomed to state education (in a country with separation of church and state) teaching young people that sex is 'harmful behavior' if one is not married.

Is premarital sex a misdemeanor in Wake County? I understand adultery is a misdemeanor, punishable by law.

There is no way we would agree that premarital sex is categorically 'harmful', this is not factually correct. Does anyone know if there is some kind of waiver we can sign to opt out of 'character ed' when it comes to abstinence only indoctrination?

Thanks!

http://www.wcpss.net/news/poston/cha...ed_traits.html

Self-Discipline - Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose. Regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors. Being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires. Choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances and behaviors. Doing your best in all situations.


In the context of "character education" what exactly is the problem with advocating abstinence for students??

I don't consider myself a prude, but it is what I want for my children.

Should sexual activity among school age children be looked upon as anything other than harmful behavior??