Researchers to debate benefits of sexual abstinence education in schools

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University have said that introducing abstinence education into schools in the UK could be a less effective substitute for Sex Education.

A debate on the issues surrounding abstinence education is to be hosted by Sheffield Hallam and their partners as part of the Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science 2012. Dr Julia Hirst, from the Sheffield Hallam University Public Health Hub has said that the event is intended to "bring together politicians, teachers, youth workers, young people and their parents to discuss the re-emergence in our society of views promoting abstinence education in schools and youth settings."

Currently available research does not support the view that the only way to avoid unintended pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV is through teaching and implementing absolute abstinence from sexual activity. In fact research in the US highlights the negative outcomes of teaching abstinence as far more severe. Abstinence education can lead to “increased risks of unprotected sex and reluctance to seek advice or treatment related to sexual health and relationship matters," according to Steve Slack Sheffield’s Director of the Centre for Sexual Health.

Evidence shows that access to Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) can have a positive effect on increasing the age of the first sexual encounter of individuals. SRE does provide strategies and support for young people who wish to abstain from sexual activity. However, by providing SRE young people who wish to partake in sexual activities have a better understanding on safer sexual practices, reducing the risk of unprotected sex and unwanted pregnancies as well as STI’s.

A greater focus on the issue of relationships, safe sex and sexuality should be included in SRE according to research and this should be provided to young people earlier than is currently the case. Steve Slack confirms that "sex education overall is too little and too late and often fails to address young people’s expressed needs for across-the-board sex and relationships education."

Dr Hirst claims that we should take influence from SRE in the Netherlands and Sweden where STI’s, unwanted pregnancy and relationship abuse is far lower than in the UK. The Saying 'No' to Sexual Abstinence event is due to be held at Sheffield Hallam on November 5th 2012.

Source: The Information Daily 

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