There has always been a great deal of debate regarding the proper way to educate young people about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In 2011, a new bill was introduced called the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act that was put in place to expand comprehensive sex education programs in schools and ensure that federal funds are spent on medically accurate programs. The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Barbra Lee (D-CA) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) who stated that kids are in need of better programs to help them make smart choices regarding their sexual health.
“Comprehensive sex education programs are successful at reducing behaviors that put young people at risk. Research has shown programs that combine information about abstinence and contraception effectively delay the onset of sexual intercourse,” said Lee. STD rates are highest among young people between the ages of 15 and 26, and the U.S. has the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world. These figures show that American youth are in need of more education regarding the importance of practicing safer sex.
Tags: Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, sex education, sexually transmitted diseases, STD
