Whether or not to educate our youth about sex is no longer the question. The question is now who should teach our children the facts about sex and when should they be taught. Until the later part of the 20th century, open discussions on sex, whether at home or in school, were not commonplace. Knowledge of sex grew in step with the child. Today, with our youth being exposed to sex in music, magazines, television and the Internet and the new risks associated with sex, accurate knowledge is critical. Many parents and school officials are concerned about what the children are really learning on this subject. To ensure the safety of our children, sexual education should be taught at a young age, by qualified professionals; not by peers, media, or parents . .
The nation is divided on who should teach sex education to the children of America. Should it be the parents or should it be the teachers? Many parents believe they should teach their children about sex in order to ensure their values and ideas are ingrained in their children. They may want their children to understand no alternative but abstinence and that sex is only to be shared after marriage. By teaching their children themselves, many parents believe they are protecting their children from, what the parents feel, is an "over sexed"" society. But relying on the parents to teach the children often leaves significant gaps in the children's understanding. This proves why qualified professionals are the best candidate for the teachings of sex education.
An obvious cause for the gap in the students' understanding of sex is that the birds-and-the-bees discussion may never take place. Students are often uncomfortable with approaching their parents with questions involving sex. They may fear what their parents may think. "If I start asking questions regarding sex, will my parents think I am considering having sex? Will they not trust me to go out with my friends?"" This will lead the students to search for other, possibly less reliable, sources of information.
