Disparities in Sex Education

Abstract

Background: Disparities in sex education cover a wide range of subjects. These disparities affect human development, Relationships, Personal Skills, Sexual Behavior and Health, and Society and Culture for kids and teens. Over the years, we have improved by providing resources and programs that can help adolescents. Still, we continue to find schools that are not following a proper curriculum in order for kids and young adults to feel more informed, make safer choices, and have healthier outcomes when facing individual decisions. Objective: The aim of this study is to address the disparities within the school system's curriculums and how they are not adequately discussing a broader view of sex education in order for kids and teens to thoroughly learn and develop personal skills that could impact their lives. Design and Method: The research method is based on current literature regarding sex education, peer-reviewed and popular articles related to disparities in sex education, and additional online databases. The research questions are: What are disparities exist in sex education within public schools in the United States? What are the effects of the disparities in relationships, personal skills, and human development? What disparities in society and culture affect gaining knowledge about sexual behavior? Results: The significance of this study is to address the disparities within the educational system when it comes to adequately informing children and teens about "Sex Education." There are many factors to be considered within this subject. It has been proven that many teachers and counselors find themselves limited to what they can and cannot teach within the classroom due to the curriculum assigned and parents' views. Lack of sex education leads to teens turning to friends where they receive inaccurate and unsafe information to what they might view as accurate. Conclusions: "Sex Education" provides a life skill, which is an aspect that children and teens can take with them in order to avoid unplanned pregnancies and have protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infection. From review these disparities, the board of education should recognize the significance of this subject on children and teens because it prepares them for a real-world experience. Schools are the best opportunity for adolescents to properly learn sex and health education that can benefit them for tough decisions. Besides the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, it is also essential also to address the aspects that include human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior and health, and society and culture within the classroom. Keywords: Disparities in Sex Education, Schools, Adolescents, sex and health education, human development, Relationships, Personal Skills, Sexual Behavior and Health, and Society and Culture