Sex education: School family night could be helpful
As of 2017, Washington State Department of Health noted Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) comprised 72% of all reported diseases transferred from person-to-person contact in our state.
There has been a steady rise in STDs in youth age 15 to 24 in the last five years. Many medical professionals and educators say this is due to stigma and lack of comprehensive sexual health education.
Washington schools currently follow the state Healthy Youth Act, passed in 2007. It does not require schools to provide sexual health education beyond HIV and AIDS, but it sets guidance rules if they choose to do so.
The guidance includes information on healthy relationships, sexual identity, sexual orientation, contraception, abstinence and safer sex practices.
Some school districts that attempt to provide such education have been met with disagreement from parents. To ease their minds, I suggest trying a family-oriented comprehensive sexual health night.
Similar to a school-funded family game night or family math night, it would include parents who want to be involved. Parents who may not be comfortable discussing these topics could also receive tips and the most up-to-date information.
Michealea Lemons, Tacoma
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Sex education: School family night could be helpful."