Opinions of Rural Texas Parents Concerning Elementary School Health Education

Abstract

Parents of elementary school children in rural east-central Texas were surveyed about their attitudes toward and knowledge of Comprehensive School Health Education. Data indicated widespread support for health education compared to other subject areas. Parents felt alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, and first aid were the most important topics to be covered in elementary school, while sexuality, cancer, and stress were the least important. Parents were most comfortable discussing alcohol and other drugs, family life, and growth and development with their children and least comfortable discussing exercise, cancer, and sexuality. Implications for school health programs are discussed.

Are Parents in Favor or against School-Based Sexuality Education? A Report from the Midwest

“…This study, like others (Colwell et al, 1995;Kolasa et al, 1995;Lindley et al, 1998;Welshimer & Harris, 1994), found that the majority of adult respondents supported including sexuality education in school. The re- sults specifically suggested support by the respondents for a comprehensive age-appropriate K-12 sexuality education curriculum in school.…”

“…Despite nationwide support for age appropriate K-12 sexuality education in schools (Colwell, Forman, Ballard, & Smith, 1995;Mezoff, Vincent, Minasian, & Dills, 1993;Page & Shapiro, 1992), there is still resistance by local school boards and policy makers to approving such curricula. The evidence from randomized controlled studies shows that sex education does not in and of itself increase sexual activity among adolescents (Bellingham, 1993;Levy et al, 1995;Marsiglio & Mott, 1986).…”