Rou

Abstinence only programs? I don’t understand. I grew up in the 80s. AIDS was kind of a big deal. They told everyone that if you’re going to have sex, wear a condom because it reduces your risk of both unwanted pregnancy and STD. Now, for some reason I just can’t fathom, black has become white, up has become down and condoms suddenly are bad.

Take for example, the Silver Ring Thing. Apparently it’s this huge show with a great big song and dance about how kids should abstain from sex. There is even a cute little virginity pledge thing. I’m with them that far. Nice message, right? I mean, it’s tragically flawed because teens are horny little buggers, but it’s a good idea at least. Then they go in the DANGERS of condoms. They tell kids about how condoms don’t work, and how you can still get STDs even when you use them. They don’t list a single benefit to using a condom. They only list negatives and failures.

So, how effective are programs like this? More effective than I thought actually. Research shows that the people who take the virgin pledges typically wait 18 months before having sex. That’s a good long time in a teenagers life, so that result is very good. But, there is a catch. When they finally do break down and fuck like bunnies, they don’t use protection. They’ve been taught all the negatives, so they figure there is no point. Oh, and here’s another bonus from these programs. The kids involved are more likely to have anal and oral sex instead! Which makes them every bit as likely to get an STD!!! But wait!! There is MORE! They’re less likely to tell an adult they are having sex, including people that need to know like doctors!!!

I don’t understand these programs. I mean, what the hell is wrong with promoting safe sex? I get the abstinence idea. I really do. It’s laudable. However, it's only the first step. You have to tell kids that if they do decide to have sex (and let’s be honest here… they’re going to have sex) they need to wear a condom, get on a pill, and use them properly. You have to tell them that blowjobs and anal sex count as sex, and each comes with it's own risks. You have to get them to talk to their parents about sex, not pretend it doesn't exist.

Putting on blinders is not the same as correcting the problem.