Introduction
Sex amongst teenagers has become a serious issue for discussion in modern society with various views being presented. Traditionally, the argument for abstinence was held in high regard and the same was reinforced by religious and moral authority. It was taboo to even discuss sex amongst teenagers as they were encouraged to await marriage before making such considerations. Times have however changed and more teens are engaging in premarital sex, sparking the conversation on safe sex. Certain sections of society seek to encourage youth on ways of having protected sex that does not endanger their health and lives instead of abstaining. This essay supports the assertion that safe sex is a better alternative to encouraging abstinence in totality. The main argument offers support for the safe sex alternative while the opposing view of abstinence is also addressed. The final part of this essay is the conclusion which confers perspective on the content of the paper.
Safe Sex Argument
Safe sex is a better option at this point in history due to the number of teens already exposed to premarital sex. Research indicates that more than half of 17-year-olds in the US are already sexually active (Bleakley et al. 22). This means that the culture of abstinence has already been broken in American societies (Goldfarb and Lieberman 25). Encouraging abstinence discriminates against sexually active teens, and the stigma leaves them ruined by unsafe sex. Teaching them about safe sex which involves factors such as contraception is a safe method of ensuring teenagers avoid teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The development experienced in technology means that sexual content is more easily available on various platforms. According to Finkelhor et al., “children are more likely to be exposed to explicit content at an early age, increasing the need for preparation with safe sex education” (1235). Adult websites with sexual content are now more easily accessible than ever, and continue to increase within the American society (Finkelhor et al. 1237). Television and other mainstream media are also responsible for airing sexual content. These avenues evoke curiosity in these children and teenagers, encouraging them to experiment with the things they see.
Responsible sex is positively pleasurable despite the risks involved such as teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Sex is also a human right and serves crucial functions in the human body, which teens have been deprived of for years. Information on how to indulge in safe sex without endangering their future should not be withheld from teens (Pariera and Brody 223). The mistake made by many abstinence advocates and some adults is treating information on safe sex similar to drug misuse advice. These adults insist on avoiding sex the same way they advocate for avoiding drug abuse. Withholding such crucial information including contraceptive devices and family planning knowledge from teenagers jeopardizes their welfare (Widman et al. 99). The misinformed teenagers are left to their ignorance and their indulgence in sexual intercourse is ignorant of the risks involved. Information on safe sex is lifesaving for teenagers and these children must access such knowledge.
Abstinence education undermines public health programs, unlike the safe sex alternative that promotes public health initiatives. Responsible sex is rooted in ensuring the health of both partners is safeguarded and their futures guaranteed. Public health programs that address sexual well-being in the United States advocate for sexual intercourse between consenting people that ensures none of them is harmed (Bleakley et al. 24). The scope of harm includes their health and life goals or aspirations.
Young people have the right to enjoy sexual intercourse without the fear of being young parents in the process. There are many methods of ensuring that this is possible, unlike in the past when abstinence was the main method encouraged. “Abstinence was partly encouraged in the past amongst teens due to the absence of alternatives as sex was mainly unprotected in the past”, as suggests Pettifor et al. (272). Safe sex at this age involves the use of physical barriers such as condoms that provide reasonable protection against pregnancy and diseases (Pettifor et al. 269). Family planning pills are also available and ensure children are not brought into this world by young unwilling people. This guarantees that children are only born as a choice, rather than as a consequence of enjoyment.
Abstinence Argument
The school of thought that supports abstinence also offers compelling arguments on why it is the best method for teenagers to follow. Pro-abstinence advocates argue that abstinence for teens ensures that their formative years are not spent seeking pleasure, but instead used to build a solid foundation for their lives. Rather than viewing sex as a pleasurable activity and a human need, these proponents propose that teen sex is a distraction (Iddings and Wadsworth 51). It makes young people lose focus on what matters in their lives, including securing good grades and earning their academic papers. They argue that sexual intercourse amongst teens complicates their lives, by getting them into unnecessary bonds early on in their lives. Indulgence in sex is sometimes accompanied by some emotional feelings that can be confusing for teens who have minimal experience in handling such complicated relationships (Diaz 16). The weight of such feelings deters their concentration during such essential years. While this argument makes some sense, it is better to educate teens on how to handle relationships instead of prohibiting them entirely.
The argument for abstinence claims higher moral ground because it is rooted in ancient community practices and religious beliefs. Sex before marriage is prohibited in many societies around the world, even during this period. The American system somehow seems to have outgrown this basis despite its inclusion in most of the religious practices in the nation. Virginity was held in high regard in ancient civilizations and teens were encouraged to preserve themselves for their partners in the future (Toupkhaneh and Turkashvand 128). Some of the proponents of this moral take have remained steadfast in their claim and encourage teens to maintain purity. It is however crucial to note that despite the goodwill intended with such a take, beliefs are personal. Some people do not share in the said beliefs and cannot tolerate the morality view. People have the freedom of choosing what to believe in and enforcing a personal morality take on such people is both immoral and illegal.
Abstinence is also promoted by people and institutions who have doubts about modern contraception methods. There is an argument that “condoms don’t guarantee 100% protection against HIV” (Terry 476). Such people cite failures in the trusted methods to prevent pregnancies in some instances. Terry also points out that “this includes scenarios where condom bursts have been reported and teens got pregnant despite the promise of protection by these contraception devices” (476). Additionally, there have been reports of failure of some female contraception devices such as intrauterine contraceptive devices to prevent pregnancy. Some mothers have conceived despite relying on these devices for planning (Rodriguez et al. 1245). Additionally, some hormonal contraception options have also been ineffective in protecting teens against having unplanned pregnancies. The occurrence of pregnancy and diseases despite the use of the largely popularized methods of inhibitions casts doubts on these scientific methods. The legitimacy of these claims cannot be ignored as information and witness accounts are present to point to the potential failures. This assertion is however misinformed as it negatively highlights the aspects of contraception and protection alone. There are countless cases where these methods have been reliable and effective in preventing teenage pregnancies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of teen sex is a sensitive discussion for any civilization because it touches on the lives of its future generation. The argument on the preference for safe sexual education over abstinence cannot be avoided. Safe sex is better than blind inhibition with the hope that teens will follow the prescribed advice by their parents and seniors. Safe sex ensures that human rights are adhered to and that the right to information by teens is not hampered. Safe sexual education also prevents discrimination against teens already involved in sexual activities. Safe sexual education is also in tandem with current societal standards and ensures the safeguarding of teen health. Safe sex promotes public health programs, unlike abstinence which undermines them. Abstinence is based on a moral code, doubt in modern science, and the need to prevent the wastage of formative years by teens. There is a need for society to bravely promote safe sex when addressing such controversial topics by addressing them head-on, instead of hiding behind excuses.
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