I'm in training all week and while I found time the past two days to say howdy, I'm guessing that won't be the case today, so instead of putting all my thoughts together and making a post, I will simply direct you to this article and say:
Discuss.
5 days ago
Interersting. I don't know that I'm surprised by that number...maybe a little that it's so high...
ReplyDeleteIt really makes me think about having these conversations with my boys when the time comes. It would be nice to be able to teach abstinence only. But I don't think in this world that it's the responsible thing to do. I think we have to find the balance of teaching what God asks us to do, but also teaching what's responsible if abstinence isn't the chosen route.
Ugh. I'm not looking forward to the teenage years...
It's a shame that these discussions have to be had at school at all. I mean, I know I'm being idealistic, but these are discussions that have to happen with parents. Unfortunately, too many parents just don't care.
ReplyDeleteIf the only message they get about sex is "don't do it" (abstinence-only), and it's from school teachers... well, don't expect those numbers to go down.
All this to say... I don't know what the (practical, feasible, realistic) answer is.
I'm actually kind of looking forward to those discussions with my own kids, awkward as they're going to be, because I'm determined to "do it right". My dad told me next to nothing. It's a good thing I was socially clueless and awkward, otherwise I think I'd have been in some trouble.
Hey Beth! Gives a big wave! I agree with Jennifer when she says : It would be nice to be able to teach abstinence only. But I don't think in this world that it's the responsible thing to do. I think we have to find the balance of teaching what God asks us to do, but also teaching what's responsible if abstinence isn't the chosen route.
ReplyDeleteWhat the study does not tell its readers....
ReplyDeleteThe study was done by the Guttmacher Institute, which is referred to in the media as a "private New York-based think tank that studies sexual and reproductive issues." What they fail to mention is that the Guttmacher Institute is an arm of Planned Parenthood, perhaps the most liberal proponent of "sexual freedom" in the world. Planned Parenthood also profits (to the tune of tens of millions a year) from irresponsible sexual behavior, particularly among teenagers.
So what is the real purpose of Planned Parenthood's report? To undermine abstinence programs in schools. One representative of Guttmacher made the connection, "The data clearly show that the majority of older teens and adults have already had sex before marriage, which calls into question the federal government's funding of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs."
Planned Parenthood receives millions of dollars in grants every year (including in Virginia) to go into schools to teach so-called "comprehensive sex education." Every place an abstinence program is being taught is a place that isn't giving money to Planned Parenthood - and that is exactly what this survey is about. This is an organization that is driven by profit - not by keeping our children safe from irresponsible sexual activity. They want to drive effective abstinence programs out of schools so they can get their hands on more cash.
via The Family Foundation
Teaching kids personal responsiblity is a key message. Teaching abstinence starts at home, not the schools. btw The Social Organization of Sexuality placed the number at closer to 60 percent) among other studies.
ReplyDeleteJust because 'everybody is doing it' is no excuse. As children of Christ, we are indeed to be different. What ever happened to that message, even among Christian parents?
Mark, thanks for doing the research - I suspected that it was something along those lines as it's the only way a story on sexuality would get into the media. Had I had time the Family Foundation was the first place I intended to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in, y'all. If I can swing it I'm going to get my thoughts together tonight and cover this as TTT tomorrow.