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 1.
What is abstinence education?
Abstinence education is a method of approaching sex education that presents a
clear message that abstinence is the best choice for teens. It believes that teens
can and will manage their own sexuality. This research-based educational system
integrates knowledge, skills, and support in an attractive way for teens. With
more than a “just say no” mentality, abstinence education covers important
topics such as self-esteem, goal setting, recognizing and addressing pressures,
and relationship building.
2. Why is abstinence education so important?
Abstinence is the only 100% effective way of preventing pregnancy and the transmission
of sexually transmitted infections. There are over 30 different STIs today; it
truly is an epidemic. Studies have shown that abstinence education does in fact
delay the onset of sexual involvement among teens; and that delay is in part responsible
for the declining rates of teen pregnancy.
3. Teens are going to have sex anyway. Isn’t it better to tell
them about contraception, so at least they won’t get pregnant?
Teens deserve the truth and each teen specifically deserves the truth that is
safest for them. Without fail, abstinence is the safest sexual choice for a teen.
Premarital sex, even when using contraception, is a risky decision. There is no
device or chemical that protects a teen against pregnancy, STIs, and HIV/AIDS
all of the time. The typical condom failure rate for preventing pregnancy is 15%.
A plane that crashed 15% of the time would not be considered safe. And there is
no condom made that can protect against a broken heart. Contraception can truly
only provide risk-reduction. Abstinence is a method of risk-elimination.
When talking with a teen about sexual decisions, remember that teens respond
to high expectations, and thrive when given standards and boundaries. Many teens
who choose sex are looking for love - we can do so much more to meet that need,
than to give them contraception and say good luck! We owe it to our youth to present
a clear message that tells them that we want, and expect, the best for them. Let’s
give them the tools to be physically and emotionally healthy. Show them love and
acceptance, and make it clear that you expect them to reach the standards you
have set.
4. Is Youth Solutions a religious program?
No. The Youth Solutions curricula are character-based sets of classroom lessons
and presentations designed to appeal to every student, regardless of their beliefs.
It incorporates medically accurate information using various proven social science
strategies incorporated in prevention programs. The lessons focus on maturity,
respect, skill development, and physical and emotional health.
5. What if a teen has already chosen to be sexually active?
Abstinence is choice that involves a person’s present and future and is
not dependent upon a person’s past. The Youth Solutions curricula stress
the importance of healthy decisions and relationships, starting NOW. A person
who has been sexually active in the past can make a new pledge to abstinence for
today and in the future. With support, anyone can live out that promise.
6. How long does it take to teach Youth Solutions?
So that the students have sufficient dosage to the message, it is recommended
that 10-15 classroom sessions be taught. In addition, if your school is in the
state of Oregon, you may be able to arrange additional activities such as bringing
one of our abstinence dramas to your school, having a peer leader presentation,
or entering into our annual Abstinence Media Project Contest.
7. Is training required for teaching Youth Solutions?
The Youth Solutions curricula come with a teacher manual that explains the individual
lessons. Teachers planning on implementing the Youth Solutions in the state of
Oregon are asked to attend a free Youth Solutions in-service training day. For
those outside of Oregon, this website contains a registration system to sign
up for an online course.
8. Can we see a preview of your curricula?
Yes. We have previews available for the middle and high school curricula. You
may request a preview, at no cost other than the price of return shipping,
by calling the NWFS office at 503-215-6377.
9. How much does the Youth Solutions curriculum cost?
The link to the catalog provides detailed information about the description and
cost of the Youth Solutions curricula series and support materials. Schools in
Oregon should check with NWFS directly to see if they can qualify to participate
in the project at no cost.
10. Who uses the Youth Solutions curricula?
The Youth Solutions curricula are taught in school systems throughout the United
States.
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