Every public school student remembers the day we were separated by guys and girls to watch what we referred to in hushed voices as ‘the video’. Everyone was nervous and excited as we shuffled into our differents rooms, ready to learn about our new lives as teenagers or young adults. Then, after we watched the, most likely outdated, film about puberty and bodily changes, most of us were left thinking: that’s it?

Only 24 states in America require sex education in public schools, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Kansas is not one of those states. 33 states require that students are taught about HIV/AIDS, and only 20 of those require that the information be “medically accurate.” That leaves me wondering, what is being taught in schools where medical accuracy is thrown to the wind? How are students at those schools going to make healthy and informed decisions when they don’t have the information necessary to make them?

One of the most popular arguments against implementing sex education in schools is that it is the job of students’ parents to teach them about the topic. A poll by Planned Parent shared that 57% of parents feel uncomfortable discussing sexuality-related topics with their children. Despite our society becoming more and more accepting of sex education, during the times our parents were in school sex ed was less comprehensive, if taught at all. Therefore, some parents don’t have the information with which to help their children make educated decisions. Also, a parent might not be able to answer more complicated questions about sexuality, that could be handled by trained educators in a school setting.

I understand why schools may not want to have detailed courses regarding sexuality, considering it is such a taboo topic that is often difficult or awkward to discuss. However, if schools offered classes that would provide basic and accurate information, it could help encourage students to do their own research, have more open discussions with their parents, and feel comfortable finding support or other resources when faced with difficult problems and questions.

High schools foster a love of learning and provide a safe space in which students can be educated and prepared for their lives after stepping out of their school for the last time. I believe that these aspects applied to a sexuality curriculum would assist students in making safe and healthy decisions, not only during their schooling, but also for the many years following.