In Atlanta, a program for middle school students led to a decrease in the number of teens initiating sexual intercourse and comparatively fewer pregnancies than non-program students. 13 A California program led to significant decreases in unprotected intercourse among students who took the course before they were sexually active, either by delaying the onset of sexual intercourse or by increasing the use of contraceptives. Inc. Chapters found that young teens who participated in an assertiveness training program were half as likely to have intercourse as nonparticipants, and that older teen women who participated in a comprehensive sexuality education program were much more likely to use contraception when they did have intercourse. 15 Research studies have clearly indicated that programs that provide young people with information about abstinence and contraception and safer sex are most effective in reaching all the young people in a program. From another perspective, the impact of sexuality education may not be quantifiable.
Programs can assist children to be more responsible, knowledgeable, and confident.
The vast majority of American support sexuality education. In every public opinion poll, more than 8 in 10 parents want sexuality education taught in high schools. 16 Many youth and community groups as well as national organizations have adopted policies supportive of sexuality education. More than sixty national organizations have joined together as the National Coalition to Support Sexuality Education, a coalition of national organizations committed to assuring that all children and youth will receive comprehensive sexuality education by the year 2000. These organizations include the American Library Association, American Medical Association, the American Nursing Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Psychological Association, the National School Boards Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Council of Churches.