State Policy on School-based Sex Education: A Content Analysis Focused on Sexual Behaviors, Relationships, and Identities

Abstract

exual behavior takes a prominent position in the lives of youth and has significant implications for health. Rates of sexual activity increase significantly during adolescence. National data from the United States (US) show that 20% of 9 th grade students had sexual intercourse, whereas 57% of 12 th grade students had sexual intercourse. 1 Nearly 90% of young people have had sex by age 24. 2 Sexual behavior is intimately related to many health issues, including unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/ STDs), and sexual violence and trauma. Given the significance of these health issues, schools have sought to educate youth about sexual health, and state policy is a primary determinant of schoolbased sex education. However, relatively little pol

The Prevalence of Stereotypes Against the LGBTQ Community and the Effect of Education on Those Stereotypes

“…An analysis of the respective sex education materials and policies in all 50 states in the United States revealed that there was a lack of evidence-based content compared to the evidence-based statistics and research currently available that could have been included in the course materials (Hall et al, 2019). This is because 74% of states relied heavily on abstinence-only sexual education, which has proven ineffective.…”

“…This is because 74% of states relied heavily on abstinence-only sexual education, which has proven ineffective. After all, many teens who were taught this method of pregnancy prevention ignore what they were taught (Hall et al, 2019). Also, sexual diversity was missing or discouraged in course materials (Hall et al, 2019).…”

“…After all, many teens who were taught this method of pregnancy prevention ignore what they were taught (Hall et al, 2019). Also, sexual diversity was missing or discouraged in course materials (Hall et al, 2019). Eight states explicitly stigmatized homosexuality, while only 42% of the states addressed healthy relationships, sexual decision-making, and sexual violence (Hall et al, 2019).…”

“…Also, sexual diversity was missing or discouraged in course materials (Hall et al, 2019). Eight states explicitly stigmatized homosexuality, while only 42% of the states addressed healthy relationships, sexual decision-making, and sexual violence (Hall et al, 2019). These statistics are important because LGBTQ students are less likely to be informed about safe sex which leads to more unwanted pregnancies and sexual violence in the LGBTQ community.…”

“…These statistics are important because LGBTQ students are less likely to be informed about safe sex which leads to more unwanted pregnancies and sexual violence in the LGBTQ community. Adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual are statistically more likely to become pregnant, be involved with a pregnancy, and contract a sexually transmitted infection (Hall et al, 2019). Due to the lack of unbiased education to adolescents, combined with the negative stereotyping of the LGBTQ students, the LGBTQ adolescent community may not receive the same level of appropriate education content as the heterosexuals.…”