The idea of Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) makes some parents uneasy, but not mother of two teenagers, Amy Weintraub. “Just like all other subjects, I want my kids to have access to quality information when it comes to sex education,” said Weintraub. “I want them to learn about the biology of sex, as well as about sexuality, healthy relationships, and family planning. Comprehensive, evidence-based sex ed gives a teen important tools to protect themselves, and more control over their life’s plan.”
Mission Pinellas
The Empowering Pinellas Youth Collaborative (EPYC) is on a mission to bring CSE to Pinellas County public schools. Why is it so important? Recent research has proven abstinence-only programs to be ineffective, with no impact on delaying sexual initiation, decreasing teen pregnancy or reducing sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). A multitude of studies on CSE make clear that young folks who receive full and accurate info about condoms and contraception, as well as abstinence, were not more likely to get an STI. They were, in fact, considerably more likely to use condoms when they become sexually active, and less likely to be involved in a teenage pregnancy.
Why does this curriculum change need to happen now? EPYC Co- Chair, Dr. Linsey Grove, states, “Pinellas County adolescents have had STI rates that have been higher than the state average for the past three years, and our students of color are disproportionately impacted by teen pregnancy. We are also seeing new HIV infection rates rise among young people in Pinellas. We need multiple prevention approaches that address these health outcomes and one of the most impactful strategies is by enacting CSE now. These statistics are not going to change unless we start using evidence-based, public health approaches to curbing sexual risk behavior among adolescents.”
What exactly is Comprehensive Sex Ed?
According to the Sexuality and Information Council of the United States, CSE is defined as “sex education programs that, in school-based settings, start by kindergarten and continue through 12th grade. Highquality CSE programs include age, developmentally, and culturally appropriate, science-based, and medically accurate information on a broad set of topics related to sexuality, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behaviors, including abstinence, sexual health, and society and culture. CSE programs provide students with opportunities for learning information, exploring their attitudes and values, and developing skills.”
Do we really need to start so young? Issues such as consent and healthy relationships should be introduced as early as possible. EPYC states, “Sex education is a potential vehicle to teach kids age-appropriate consent principles; this includes general concepts like personal space and boundaries to sexual consent between partners. Understanding consent from a young age can help empower students to identify and report inappropriate behavior and, potentially, sexual assault or abuse.” Consent is undoubtedly important to the safety of our children, and their understanding of healthy relationships.
Is this really necessary?
What can be said to parents who are not comfortable with CSE taking place in our schools? Lawrence Clermont, President of the Pinellas County Council PTA/PTSA, believes, “Academic achievement, selfesteem and well-being are interrelated. While the well-being of children is primarily the responsibility of the home, responsibility for the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social health of children is shared by the whole community. After the home, the school is often best positioned to serve as the community’s center for meeting the needs of the child.”
EPYC co-chair & parent of a Pinellas County student, Julia Sharp adds, “Just as there is now the opportunity for parents and guardians to opt their child out of a part, or all, of the current Abstinence Plus Sex Ed, we would want to see that option continue into the future Comprehensive and Inclusive Sex Ed policy. Ultimately the decision rests in the hands of each Pinellas County family to determine what’s best for their child.”
In a 2017 Community Health Assessment by the Pinellas County Health Department, 75% of Pinellas County respondents stated that they wanted CSE in our schools. So what’s the hold up?
“Even though Florida State Statutes set the standards for sex education, local school districts can determine curriculum based on ‘local values and concerns,’ as noted in Statute 1003.42. This is what we’re asking the Pinellas County School District to consider, given the public health concern for our students and the community value of keeping kids safe,” says Dr. Linsey Grove.
Time for Action!
So what can you do to help ensure that the CSE our children deserve is introduced into Pinellas County schools? Dr. Grove states, “The best way to impact the health of our students is to not only employ CSE, but to enshrine the criteria for sex education in policy. We need to let our school board members know that we want the current policy to reflect our needs. We believe that the voices of students and the community will make our elected officials listen, and we’re beginning to show up at school board meetings, talk with board members, and send postcards and emails to demonstrate the community support for this.”
If you wish to help effect this change, you can also support organizations working tirelessly for the cause such as Metro Health and Advocates for Youth. Join EPYC, share your demand for CSE on social media, and write letters to the editors of local publications voicing your support. The stakes are high, and the time is now. Let’s make it happen, St. Pete!
