Children and Sexual Education
Frankie Hellyer
Harrison College

Children and Sexual Education
"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death”, (S.F.Heart.com, 2012).
[Albert Einstein, "Religion and Science", New York Times Magazine, 9 November 1930]
In 2000 my first and second grade children arrived home from school with a surprising question for me. I was asked what “69” meant. My response was “the number after 68 and before 70”. That was not the correct answer to the specific question they were asking, yet they were too naive to know any different. I did not feel they were at the appropriate age for a response to that question, but it meant it was time for a small bit of conversation regarding sexual education. Sexual education is opposed by some for religious beliefs, infringement of parental rights, and parental fears of a higher level of sexual promiscuity. Those opposed typically promote abstinence programs, (which have failed our society). Regardless what age a child is, sexual education is a very important topic and I feel it is crucial to start educating about sex now; in the schools; rather than wait for the latter possible unplanned STD, pregnancy, or even the unfortunate act of molestation. Since the beginning of time biblically, our society has been taught to wait to have sex until marriage. God has told us this in the Bible through many verses. This would be great in a society that was simple minded and lacking opinions. Today this is not the case. Our televisions, radios, magazines, internet, and peer pressures all promote some type of sexual propaganda. It even travels through our school hallways and buses as well. This is difficult for