Comprehensive Sex Education: Research and Results

Since 1997 the federal government has invested more than $1.5 billion dollars in abstinence-only programs – proven ineffective programs which censor or exclude important information that could help young people protect their health. In fact, until recently, programs which met a strict abstinence-only definition were the only type of sex education eligible for federal funding; no funding existed for comprehensive sex education, which stresses abstinence but also provides information about contraception and condoms.

But the Obama administration’s proposed budget for FY10 removed the streams of funding for abstinence-only programs, and created funding for programs which have been proven effective at reducing teen pregnancy, delaying sexual activity, or increasing contraceptive use. Not surprisingly, it is comprehensive sex education programs which help youth remain healthy and avoid negative sexual health outcomes. This document explores the research around comprehensive sex education and abstinence-only programs.
Comprehensive Sex Education Has Been Proven Effective
Evaluations of comprehensive sex education programs show that these programs can help youth delay onset of sexual activity, reduce the frequency of sexual activity, reduce number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use. Importantly, the evidence shows youth who receive comprehensive sex education are NOT more likely to become sexually active, increase sexual activity, or experience negative sexual health outcomes. Effective programs exist for youth from a variety of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.1,2,3,4,5
Researchers studied the National Survey of Family Growth to determine the impact of sexuality education on youth sexual risk-taking for young people ages 15-19, and found that teens who received comprehensive sex education were 50 percent less likely to experience pregnancy than those who received abstinence-only education.6
Researcher Douglas Kirby for the National Campaign to End Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy examined studies of prevention programs which had a strong experimental design and used appropriate analysis. Two-thirds of the 48 comprehensive sex ed programs studied had positive effects.
40 percent delayed sexual initiation, reduced the number of sexual partners, or increased condom or contraceptive use.
30 percent reduced the frequency of sex, including a return to abstinence.
60 percent reduced unprotected sex.7
Advocates for Youth undertook exhaustive reviews of existing programs to compile a list of programs that have been proven effective by rigorous evaluation. Twenty-six effective programs were identified, twenty-three of which included comprehensive sex education as at least one component of the program. The other programs were early childhood interventions. Of the 23 effective, comprehensive sex education programs:
Fourteen programs demonstrated a statistically significant delay in the timing of first sex.
13 programs showed statistically significant declines in teen pregnancy, HIV, or other STIs.
14 programs helped sexually active youth to increase their use of condoms.
9 programs demonstrated success at increasing use of contraception other than condoms.
13 programs showed reductions in the number of sex partners and/or increased monogamy among program participants.
10 programs helped sexually active youth to reduce the incidence of unprotected sex.

Dating Advice For Women

So you want to date your ‘someone special’ on this Valentine’s Day? This special day brings a golden opportunity to express your feelings on a romantic date with the one you adore. The guy on your mind may be a little difficult to track down and you are in dire need of some wonderful advice to help you in your romantic endeavors. For those who are looking for everlasting love, below given are top romantic dating tips to make the "happily ever after" come true. So, go through these dating tips for girls and know how to keep your man’s heart safely in your pocket.

Dating Tips For Girls
Do not try to be someone you are not. You might have always fancied that high school cheerleader, but it wouldn't work if you try to be her on your date. Your man doesn't want to see some cheerleader. He wants to see and know you and not some wannabe you are trying to come across as.
Try to be friends with your man. Nothing will work better than being friend with your man and it will also make him feel more comfortable with you. It will allow him to open up to you and he will love you even more for that.
A little flirting goes a long way to make your man feel in the thick of things. It shows that you have a broad mind, exciting, fun-loving and take humor in your stride. Just make sure you don't over do it, as it may send wrong signals.
Talk about his interests and try to be an intelligent conversationalist. You certainly don’t want to bore him to death. He will appreciate that you want to know about what interests him and this will make your company exciting for him.
Work towards building trust, if you have already had many dates with him in the past. Every meeting should facilitate some progress in your relationship and make full use of the beautiful opportunity that Valentine’s Day is presenting you with.
Make an effort to look good. Men love it when their women dress up for the occasion. Who doesn’t appreciate the company of a good-looking woman? It will also make sure his eyes don't pry after other women!
All said and done, remember to give the relation enough time to grow and prosper. Don't jump to conclusions about your man just after the first date, as they take longer than women to bare their heart out. So, just relax and enjoy the time you spend with him. Gradually, you will get to see his kind and affectionate side.