I was in public school and sent through health class, which included sex education (in middle and high school). I think it was beneficial, though we didn't break out condoms in class, but it was informative. And you are right, abstinence and monogamy were strongly encouraged (though not exclusively).

I have also heard some Christian guys say they were for masturbation (saying it was not a sin), if it kept guys from being promiscuous with women (still not sure if I agree 100%, since as a Christian I think lust is necessary for it). I dont know why people are so scared of information. I think as long as people are getting good information, not skewed, it should be helpful, instead of harmful, in making decision, both morally and ethically.

As a Christian, I believe in sex after marriage, and at 29 and still single and have stuck with that... but also have stuck by my convictions because I dont want STD's, HIV, AIDS, or to get someone pregnant. I have seen how promiscuity can ruin poeple and relationships. But I didnt really start to think about dating seriously until college. I sometimes wonder if teenagers in middle school are mature enough to date, mostly cause they have so many hormones and changes, I dont think they are wise enough to think and make wise decision when it comes to sex and relationships. I personally didnt feel mature enough for dating and relationships until late high school and early college.

Also, I am really not for sex education in elementary school, but think it is beneficial in middle and highschool (I had it in 7th and 9th grade,. along with drug education as well in those grades). However, I do think kids in elementry school would do well to have classes about bullying and abuse (Physical,. Emotional, and Sexual).

I will never forget being taught how to apply a condom with a fake blue penis.

That will stay with me forever.

We had sex education when I was in school decades ago. Of course, it was mainly what information was scrawled on the bathroom stalls.

Abstinence always works unless one forgets to remain in the abstaining mode. The Rythmn method always works unless you miss a beat. I think god may have had one of those John Roberts dilemmas - should he continue in the be fruitful and multiply mode or have a commandment to use condums? That is truly a god conundrum.

We must never forget that girls get pregnant so they can be welfare queens, and boys never are involved in that equation.

'Nuff said. I have to get on to my daily mantra - we are effed, we are so effed!

@Kellsbella - In my high school, since they had no way to get condoms other than the local Walgreens, kids were either too embarrassed to buy them (thus not using them) or ended up stealing them.

@GodlessLiberal - Imagine how this must be in a small town where the pharmacist knows your dad.

@AmyDoo - Actually, teenage pregnancy and abortion rates have been pretty steadily decreasing since the federal government became more involved in sex ed in the mid-1980's. Report: http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/USTPtrends.pdf

From the report:

-In 2005, the U.S. teenage pregnancy rate reached its lowest point in more than 30 years (69.5), down 41% since its peak in 1990 (116.9). However, in 2006, the rate increased for the first time in more than a decade, rising 3%.  
-From 1986 to 2006, the proportion of teenage pregnancies ending in abortion declined almost one-third, from 46% to 32% of pregnancies among 15–19-year-olds.

Conservatives like to use the abortion issue to paint a picture of moral decay in our society, often as part of a strategy to promote regressive social policies. Fortunately, most of their concerns are often fabricated full cloth by politicians for political gain. We are doing OK with regards to abortion, and most of the evidence indicates the increasing availability of contraceptives and increased funding of sex ed are responsible.

100% agreed.  

YOU once said you're not touching a woman? Who is this and what have you done with my boyfriend? *eyes you suspiciously*

I don't understand why people would be against sex education. When my kiddo's older, I want her to have all the tools she can to protect herself, and to understand the risks involved with unprotected sex. Communication should be open and age appropriate. The last thing I want is to her to contract an infection because she wasn't taught the importance of protecting herself.

@agnophilo - @GodlessLiberal - Um, imagine our embarrassment as we buy tampons, pads, a douche, or a cure for a yeast infection. In my mind, I feel they are thinking: Oh, she's on her period. Or oh, she needs to freshen up. Or oh, she stayed in a wet bathing suit for too long.

That is the point, though, really. No one truly knows what another is thinking, and even if they are........who cares?

Hmm..I suppose a teenager is more susceptible to the reaction of others... another interesting point to ponder......

@agnophilo - @GodlessLiberal - Oh, please.  I've been buying tampons for over twenty years.  If as teenage girls, we must walk into a pharmacy and buy pads (announcing to all a very private and embarrassing thing as teenagers), so too can the boys be man enough to go buy condoms.  I don't agree with handing out condoms simply because I don't believe it teaches responsibility for your actions.  If you want to have sex, go buy your own condoms.  It's simple.  If you can't handle standing in line with some condoms, buy some tampons too and really confuse the checker (who has seen it all).  Hell, tell them it's for your parent's anniversary, buy them online with a visa giftcard, whatever... but realize that having sex comes with responsibilities, we've taken the responsibilities away from the boys.  

It was a long time ago.  We saw a film in Personal Hygiene class.  Act 1: young guy goes out on the town with friends and lays a prostitute.  Act 2:  another night, the young guy goes out with his girlfriend and lays her.  Act 3:  girlfriend tells her mom there is something wrong "down there."  Omg she has the clap!

I am not making this up.  It seems the only films available back then were the ones they made to train G.I.s going overseas.

@we_deny_everything - I saw a film in the Navy.  It was husband and wife fight.  Husband storms out, goes to the bar and lays a random chic.  He says to the camera, "I don't participate in risky behavior, but because of that night I am HIV positive."  What the hell?  We were all like, duh, cheating on your wife with a random chic is the very definition of risky behavior.

great ideas!