   
May 1, 2008
Sex Ed for Palm Beach Preteens
Beginning in May, middle schools in Florida’s Palm Beach County will provide comprehensive sex education for their sixth-grade students, including lessons on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy and contraceptives, the Palm Beach Post reports (palmbeachpost.com, 4/26).
In addition to lessons on abstinence, students will learn how to protect themselves from STIs and unwanted pregnancies if they choose to have sex.
Starting this month, sixth-grade students will learn about condoms and other forms of contraceptives while seventh graders discuss different types of STDs, including HIV. By eighth grade, students must be able to identify contraceptives and how they work, as well as identify STI symptoms and modes of transmission.
“Middle school, if not younger, is when kids need to be aware of what’s out there,” local parent Dawn Graubert told the Post. “There are kids in middle school that are sexually active, and if they don’t learn about it, we are doing them a disservice.”
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comments 1 - 3 (of 3 total)
Natalie, New York, 2008-05-07 16:24:20
This is great! It's very important that more school programs realize this is the appropriate time to start talking to children regarding sex. Not talking about the issue doesn't stop it from happening. Parents need to hit hard and hit early with facts.
Kirk, Dallas, 2008-05-07 08:25:55
I am so encouraged that this school district is looking toward the future of these young people. Sixth grade is a very good time to talk about the soberness or seriousness of sex and all of it's ramifications. I hope other schools will follow.
Dave Martin, Austin, TX, 2008-05-06 10:47:31
Finally! Common sense. I've been saying this for years. Once those pubescent hormones kick in, watch out! You can't control them, and to try could be harmful to the mental and emotional (and possibly physical) well-being of the child. Education before puberty is the best way to fight all STI's.
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