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Sex Education in Schools—Good or Bad?Awake!—1970 | May 22
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Sex Education in Schools—Good or Bad?
A RAGING battle is being fought from coast to coast in North America by advocates and opponents of sex education in schools.
Who is involved in this struggle that causes such sharp divisions even in small towns and some churches? What is behind the furor? How will it affect you and your family? And since it is taking place in a land that is supposed to be Christian, what position should the true Christian take in the matter? Is it a good thing, or bad?
Who Is Involved
After the dust of the initial skirmishes settled, the battle lines were sharply drawn. The proponents make up a formidable army: The Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), the American Medical Association, the National Educational Association and the National Council of Churches.
Mobilized to object to it, in one way or another, are various social organizations, religious groups and an increasing number of local and national parent organizations and citizens’ committees. Among those resisting are some who were former advocates until they saw what were to them disturbing effects. The backlash seems to be growing.
The Canadian Institute of Public Opinion reports that 73 percent of Canadians endorse sex education in public schools. A Gallup poll says 71 percent of American adults want it for their children (and perhaps 60 percent of the schools in the United States have some form of it). Yet it is interesting that due to opposition there are now at least twenty states that have acted upon or have bills before their legislatures to curb or prohibit such instruction in schools.
Why the Fight
Generally, there seems to be some agreement between these enemies that some form of sex education is needed for the youth of this generation. The disagreement lies in when it is to be started, the extent of information at certain ages, who teaches it and the source and content of material.
A primary cause for the eruption of intense opposition to it seems to be the recent move to teach it in elementary or grade schools. Some parents were shocked at the language that very small children were beginning to use and the attempt on the part of some children to ‘practice’ on younger family members what had been taught or demonstrated in classes. Such parents feel it is a case of “too much too soon.”
Some of these parents do not object to suitable instruction in higher grades, but even then they feel they have cause for concern about who teaches the classes and whether they are qualified. They claim excesses by some teachers, such as the incident where a teacher asked students to copy obscene words off rest-room walls and then define them in class. There was the case of a teacher who asked students to relate their own experiences with masturbation, homosexuality and sexual experimentation with animals. Parents fear the effect of teachers who may have their own sexual ‘hang-ups.’
Opponents feel strongly that sex education in the schools is a form of invasion and usurpation of parental rights. To them this is a subject that should be left mainly to parental and religious training, at least in its more intimate details. They also object to group or coeducational instruction in many cases.
But the outstanding objections that have caused the bitterest exchanges are that the courses omit instruction on morals and that this is related to the aim of “leftist” groups who push sex education to weaken the moral fiber of a nation so as to make it an easy mark for communism.
Is It Needed?
Advocates counter that the opposition is prodded by ‘extreme right-wingers’ and by fundamentalist sects that are blinded by an outdated moral code. They argue that neglect and abandonment of parental responsibility to teach their own children have produced a growing rate of promiscuity and illegitimacy and spreading venereal diseases among the young. Also, youth has little protection against the continual stimuli of advertising, literature and movies and the bad example of some adults. These things, they say, have brought on the drive for sex instruction.
In Ontario the rate of unwed mothers giving birth is twice what it was ten years ago. Some feel that as many as 50 percent of teen-age brides are pregnant on their wedding day. One newspaper claimed that ten Toronto girls a week go to Quebec for abortions. In the United States it is reported that 6,000 babies were born out of wedlock last year to girls under fifteen. One doctor lamented the fact of twelve-year-olds coming to him who did not know how they got pregnant. Another deplored the “absolute ignorance” of patients with sexual problems. And statistics prove that many nations are experiencing an alarming increase in venereal diseases among young people.
There can also be no doubt about the influence for bad upon youth by the way sex and nudity are used in movies, TV, books, advertising and newspapers. Even modern music’s lyrics make illicit sex seem to be the ‘in thing.’ Commenting on the early exposure this gives to children, a physician said: “My 9-year-old knows what a lesbian is from movie ads.”
Hence, proponents call for sex education from kindergarten on in the schools.
Solutions
One can understand the desire of educators to fill in the gap left by unwise parents and supply the young with needed knowledge. However, in the frantic rush to do so they must be careful that they do not blindly trample upon the natural and obvious relationship between parent and child. If educators feel that parents are not now equipped to teach their own children or will not take the responsibility to do so, then why not deal with this cause rather than coping only with the effects?
Why not educate parents on what and how to teach their own children? Many parents would welcome this. It would maintain the important parent-child relationship, preserving the structure of the family unit. It would also make possible the suiting of the instruction to the child’s individual needs, something the parent would understand better than someone who has not lived with the child. The ideal place to teach these matters is in the home.
The privacy of the home would eliminate possible embarrassment before strangers and possible abuses by any with improper motives—teachers or other students. It would keep the discussion in the atmosphere of a ‘family matter,’ which it is. Even proponents of sex-education courses in schools like to call them courses in ‘family life.’
To those who complain that parents feel too embarrassed to discuss these matters with their children the answer is given that they would not, once taught and trained what to say and how to handle the situation. “But parents aren’t teachers, aren’t prepared to cope with the situation, would be too emotionally involved to do well,” claim some. The observation of Dr. David Reuben is appropriate: “The schools are even less prepared than parents to offer sex education. The programs are ‘Mickey Mouse’ and the kids know it. What is needed is an entirely new approach: Education in sexuality for adults.”
Yet, even if programs were instituted for teaching parents how to cope with sex education for the young, there would be serious drawbacks. It is not likely that there would be any more moral balance in such courses than there is now in courses for the young. Nor is it at all likely that God’s laws as outlined in his Word, the Bible, would be highlighted to give the course its necessary moral balance. Why not? Because many educators have little respect for the Bible. And most churches have failed to inculcate in adults a real sense of moral responsibility. Not only do many clergymen downgrade the Bible; they embrace the ‘new morality’ code.
Thus, many are the views regarding sex education in schools. In the face of these conflicting opinions, parents are wondering what they should do.
[Picture on page 5]
Sex-education courses in school usually do not highlight sound moral principles
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What Parents Can DoAwake!—1970 | May 22
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What Parents Can Do
LOOKING at their own lack of training and ability, many parents might think it would be easier to leave sex education all to the school. But, then, some conscientious parents are confused. They have heard stories about sex education given without a moral background and they rightly worry. Children are now being told that premarital sex, sodomy and other forms of sexual deviation are normal and, though not desirable, are not to be condemned.
Some advocates say conventional standards of morality are irrelevant. One such claims that “the core of the ethical problem is not whether a boy or girl remains or does not remain a virgin, but whether sex is used exploitatively and self-centeredly, or in a meaningful and dignified way.” Is this what you want your child taught? How do unmarried people use sex in a meaningful and “dignified” way if they violate the divine command to “flee from fornication”?—1 Cor. 6:18.
What can you do about the situation? Fight the giving of sex education in the schools? For the true Christian the direction is given: The servant “of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil.” (2 Tim. 2:24) If a parent objects to what is being taught and wants to protect his child, he can ask to have his child released from such classes.
In fairness to the courses taught at some schools, however, it must be admitted that not all is bad. There is teaching in hygiene, disease prevention, care of children, family responsibility, and so forth. Further, there is some effort to refer students to others for guidance, such as the textbook that urges those with concerns about homosexuality to speak to their doctor or some other counselor. It also speaks against “misuse of oneself” in discussing masturbation. But there are veiled statements that leave the reader feeling it is up to each one to decide the matter for himself; there is no honest condemnation of wrong acts.
Christian parents take the course that the text at 2 Timothy 2:24 recommends, namely, to be “qualified to teach.” Such parents have learned to be well equipped to combat the misinformation their children get in some schools in the teaching of evolution and the setting of materialistic goals by perhaps well-meaning teachers. With answers given in home training, parents can be confident that their children have a defense.
If your church has not provided you with the information to combat faith-eroding teachings of today and no longer upholds the Bible as the source of moral teaching, why not find out where you can be taught and trained to aid your children?
Help Available
Jehovah’s witnesses as Christians sense the need to fortify youth and equip parents to fill present-day needs. They take the position that “wisdom is for a protection.” (Eccl. 7:12) Repeatedly their Watchtower and Awake! magazines have presented articles to aid parents on how to approach sexual matters with their young ones, what to discuss and how to say it. Examples are the articles in Awake! of December 8, 1968, and June 8, 1965, on a father ’talking to his sons and the July 8, 1965, issue on a mother talking to her daughters. These took up such matters as conception, birth, proper use of sexual powers, bodily functions, dating and self-control. Others of their publications also provide helpful instruction, all on a fine basis of Biblical morality.
At their conventions the Witnesses receive frank and straightforward material in talks and even dramas that make application of the points taught. At the 1969 “Peace on Earth” International Assembly sessions they heard talks warning against the illicit satisfaction of fornication and adultery and the dangers of toying with sexual immorality. During 1970 additional counsel along these lines will be given at their assemblies. More worthwhile occupation of time and abilities are set before youthful attenders who are with their parents for this instruction. Yes, it is sometimes beneficial to have group instruction. But the setting must be right, with parents or other responsible adults present and with good motives.
In your home, put information about sex on the right basis. Found it upon the “discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) This is much more valuable source material than the conceited, always-changing views of humans who call for “new values” as to “when and how we should have sexual experiences.” Dr. Mary Calderone, one of the prime backers of sex courses in schools, says: “Separate yourselves from your parents. I don’t believe the old ‘Thou shalt nots’ apply anymore.” Is this what you want your children to hear and defenselessly believe? They need fortifying!
Some Suggestions
Teach your own children that possession of sexual powers brings responsibility to the Designer and calls for respect for his original purpose. Use the Scriptures to show what is honorable use, that these are powers of procreation, a wonderful thing! (Gen. 1:28) Show that there must be deep mutual love between a husband and his wife, a giving that brings pleasure to another and thus disciplines in unselfishness. (Prov. 5:15-23; Eph. 5:21-33) Explain that confinement of one’s sexual interests to one’s marriage mate is a sound requirement for life.—Heb. 13:4.
As you see from the above Scripture references, the Bible can be used as a source and as a model of tasteful and forceful expression for teaching. Use it and thus counter the influence of declining moral standards.
Give such teaching in a wholesome atmosphere of respect for God and decency. Use proper terminology. Warm teaching, with association of the knowledge to its proper use, is better than detached presentation of cold biological facts with too many details. If children want to know more, they will usually ask. At times ask them questions or encourage them to ask questions. In that way they learn what they want and need to know. Make it a conversation rather than lecturing or preaching. Look up information together. Be sure the child sees the practical wisdom as well as the obedience to God’s law that is involved, that it is not a matter of being prudish.
With discernment several children can be taught together. In this way they come to face the subject without feeling it is a deep, dark secret. After the smaller ones have been simply taught and leave, then the older ones who ask for and need more details can get some elaboration on the matter by the parents. Or, they may select another time, such as when walking home from a visit or shopping, to speak to their children who need information to prepare them for changes in their body or counter the misinformation they will be hearing from other children.
When is the best time to start with this training of children? Before they start to school. But remember, a small question requires only a small answer. It is unwise to swamp the child with all the clinical details. Make answers clear and direct, honest and simple. Children are quick to detect deceit and hypocrisy. That will result in a loss of confidence. Elaborate only if further questions come. Usually a simple answer suffices.
One of the reasons for not giving them more than they need at such a young age gives basis to some of the strongest objections against forcing the teaching of sex upon children in the lower grades. Age five to adolescence is viewed as the “latency period,” when a child’s sexual interests are not intense, other things being pursued. It is a time to let a child enjoy growing up, being a child. The child can be damaged or disturbed at this period by unwanted sex talk that can lead to sexual difficulties later on.
Then there is a period in life when more information must be given without waiting for questions from the child. It is when the bodies of youngsters begin to develop the capacity to carry out the marvelous function of procreation. Children need to be told in advance what to expect. They should be taught what changes will occur in their bodies and in their feelings toward the opposite sex. But again, this should be suitable to their age and need. It is best not to make a “big” thing out of it, either then or with children at other sessions. It should not be made an obsession. A physician and author, Dr. Melvin Anchell, says he can teach all that a child needs to know about sex, giving it the medical viewpoint, in about fifteen minutes. But that is the medical viewpoint; there is also God’s viewpoint.
There is another matter that is a parental responsibility. What the parents fail to curb in the way of reading and viewing could damage the child’s mind. Do you really know what your child reads? What do others, his school chums, offer him to read? One mother was shocked to find some scandalous material tucked under the mattress of her son’s bed. Are you serious about the quality of your son’s food? Then be serious about the quality of his reading matter. Comics often exploit sex and violence, as does TV.
What Your Family Needs
While the suggestions above may be a help, there is something else you need in order to combat the rising tide of loose conduct and adverse effects of possibly harmful sex instruction. Just as one must have something firm and solid onto which one can fasten a lifesaving rope if it is to be truly useful, so there must be a well-rounded-out knowledge of the Bible if one is to have the background that will give solid support to this kind of parentally taught sex information. This can be had by a regular, weekly Bible study in your home.
Jehovah’s witnesses provide this service free of charge, at a time convenient to you in the privacy of your own home, using your own Bible. There is no obligation except to agree to prepare in advance for the best results. The book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life contains the course of study. It takes only about six months to cover the material. The fact that in less than two years this publication has reached the astounding circulation of some 23 million copies in many languages is proof enough that it is supplying a need.
More than a million free home Bible studies are being conducted by Jehovah’s witnesses each week all around the world. Why not avail yourself of this fine provision? In this way you can fortify your family with the basis in faith that it needs to endure in this era of sex obsession. It will spare you many heartaches and crises in family life.
Parents, do not let your God-given responsibility toward your children in this or any other matter be wrested from you, either by your own apathy or by the questionable motives of some others. The fact that some advocates of sex education in schools advise their followers to “sneak in” such courses and claim that they are merely expanding already-existing programs shows dishonesty on their part and does raise questions about their motives.
The effect of sex education can be bad, depending upon the manner in which it is taught and the content of the material. A conscientious parent will acquaint himself with what is taught and know who has edited the material. Thus he will be able to counteract effectively any misinformation that his child gets in classes.
If information given in some programs serves to supplement that which parents are morally responsible to give their children, then it may be good. It can be learned along with related facts and other studies in school.
But in either case, the final effect upon your children will be determined in great measure by what you as the parent do to discharge your own responsibility in the matter. Avail yourself of the Bible-study course that will erect a firm foundation of faith upon which you can build the spirituality of your family. Use the timely material in the Watch Tower publications to aid you to teach your children Bible principles. Build all aspects of a close family relationship. The warm, loving atmosphere of Christian family life is the wholesome climate in which to nurture youth to responsible manhood and womanhood.—Eph. 5:15-23; 6:1-4.
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