Human Sexuality

Running Head : ELEMENTARY SEXUAL EDUCATION

The Importance of Elementary Sexual Education

Author 's Name

Name of University

Abstract

The purpose of this is to look at the importance of elementary sexuality education in schools as well as look at its effect on children . Early signs of puberty and mixed messages from outside sources such as the media and peers have contributed to the need for elementary sexuality education . The negative consequences of early sexual involvement and a lack of elementary sexuality education are presented . In addition , a look at

how comprehensive sexuality education compares to abstinence-only education provides a sound rationale as to why comprehensive sexuality programs would be more beneficial Comprehensive programs cover a broad range of s ranging from abstinence to contraceptives . They start in kindergarten and continue through twelfth grade . Additionally , outside sources such as parents teachers , friends , and the Internet influence how a child may perceive sexuality . Parents and teachers are the key people in providing sexuality education to children . They need to work in a partnership to provide the child with the most optimal learning experience regarding sexuality . The concerns of parents and teachers are presented as well as ways they can better inform children through open and honest communication

Selection of a Research Question

Sexuality education is the lifelong process of acquiring information and of forming attitudes , beliefs , and values about identity relationships , and intimacy (Haffner , 1992 ,

.53 . Haffner (1992 argued that school-based sexuality education is more than anatomy and physiology . It includes an understanding of sexuality in the broadest context , which is sexual development , reproductive health , interpersonal relationships , affection and intimacy , body image , and gender roles The questions of whether it belongs in American schools and what subjects should be covered , and at what grade levels have been and continues to be of concern to many parents , teachers and communities throughout the United States

While legislators , educators and parents recognize the need for sexuality education during children 's formative years and before adolescence , there is little information on the timing and content of such instruction in public schools , especially at the elementary level (Landry , Singh , and Darroch , 2000 . More research is needed to determine the full breadth and depth of sexuality education that students are receiving at the elementary level

This will argue the importance and unquestionable need for sex education at the elementary level . Sexuality education can be difficult to teach at any grade level and often is controversial , given the sensitivity of the subject and the conflicting attitudes and values that exist in the broader society . But it is this broader society that has forced the need for sex education at earlier grades . External pressures such as the mass media and peers have heavily influenced young students to become sexually active or adopt behaviors that may threaten their health (Landry , Singh , and Darroch , 2000 . In addition , the onset of puberty for many girls as early as third and fourth grades has risen causing the need for sexuality education...