Topic: The Imperative for Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools

General Purpose: To persuade

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience members to see the importance of Sex education in

schools.

Thesis Statement: Investing in comprehensive sex education in schools is a step toward

empowering our youth with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about
their sexual health.

Organizational Pattern: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Introduction (Attention)
I. Attention-Getting Device—In a small town nestled between rolling hills and whispering
streams, a group of teenagers lived on the cusp of adulthood. As the seasons changed and
the leaves painted the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, these young minds were
embarking on a journey filled with uncertainties, discoveries, and, perhaps most daunting
of all, the uncharted terrain of their own sexuality; there existed a silence, a hush that
concealed the questions these teenagers dared not ask aloud. Behind closed doors, in the
shadows of awkward conversations and furtive glances, the absence of comprehensive
sex education cast a palpable unease over their lives. A courageous teacher decided to
break the silence and address the questions lingering in the minds of these adolescents.
The journey of enlightenment unfolded, where the classroom became a sanctuary for
knowledge, and the students, armed with understanding, began to navigate the path to
adulthood with newfound confidence. This is not just a story from a quaint town; it
mirrors the narrative playing out in communities nationwide. Our youth deserve more
than whispers and secrets; they deserve comprehensive sex education guiding light that
transforms uncertainty into empowerment, silence into dialogue, and fears into
understanding. As we delve into the necessity of comprehensive sex education in schools,
let us recognize that this story is not fiction but a reflection of the challenges our
teenagers face today and the power of education to illuminate their path forward.

II. Introduce your topic- Investing in comprehensive sex education in schools is a step
toward empowering our youth with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed
decisions about their sexual health.
III. Demonstrating the Importance- This alarming reality underscores the critical necessity
for comprehensive sex education in schools. Teenagers face complex challenges
 regarding their sexual health, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted
infections, and the need for healthy relationship navigation. Without proper education,
our youth is vulnerable, unprepared, and at risk.

IV. Credibility statement- “Substantial evidence supports sex education beginning in

elementary school, that is scaffolded and of longer duration, as well as LGBTQ–inclusive
education across the school curriculum and a social justice approach to healthy
sexuality.” (Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2021)

Preview of points
1. Need of sex education in schools
2. Examine the real-world consequences of this educational deficit
3. What the school can be with the implementation of Sex Education.

Body
**I. Need: Currently, sex education in many schools falls short of providing comprehensive
information.
A. Basic anatomy and reproduction are covered, but crucial topics like consent,
contraception, and healthy relationships are often neglected.
● According to the 2018 CDC School Health Profiles, fewer than half of high
schools and less than a fifth of middle schools teach all 20 topics recommended
by the CDC as essential components of sex education(State of Sex Education in
USA | Health Education in Schools, n.d.)
B. The consequences of inadequate education are far-reaching. Unplanned pregnancies, the
spread of sexually transmitted infections, and the inability to form healthy relationships
● Without proper education, people may not have access to or awareness of family
planning methods, reproductive health, and safe sex practices. This can lead to
unwanted pregnancies, especially among young people who may not be ready or
able to raise a child. One in six pregnancies among women in Britain are
unplanned. Factors associated with unplanned pregnancies include having first
sex before the age of 16, a lower educational level, and not living with a
partner(One in Six Pregnancies Among Women in Britain Are Unplanned, 2013).
● According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019,
among U.S. high school students surveyed, 30% had ever had sexual intercourse,
and 48% did not use a condom the last time they had sex. 8% had been physically
forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to(Sexual Risk
Behaviors | DASH | CDC, n.d.).

Transition: As we confront the stark reality of the current state of sex education, it becomes
evident that the gaps in knowledge contribute to a host of challenges for our youth. From the lack
of comprehensive information to the startling statistics on unplanned pregnancies and risky
sexual behaviors, the consequences of inadequate education reverberate through the fabric of our
society.

**II. Satisfaction: Comprehensive sex education is the answer to these challenges. It goes
beyond the basics, offering a holistic approach that equips students with the knowledge and skills
necessary to make responsible decisions about their sexual health.
A. Covering topics such as consent, contraception, and communication, it provides a
foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices.
● Quality sexual health education provides students with the knowledge and skills
to help them be healthy and avoid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
sexually transmitted infections (STI), and unintended pregnancy.” (What Works
in Schools: Sexual Health Education, n.d.)
●
B. Collaborate with local healthcare professionals and organizations to provide accurate and
up-to-date information. Establish partnerships with clinics or health organizations for
additional resources and support.
● Young people comprise up to 60% of Belize's total population of more than
200,000. Many of them have dropped out of school and simply loiter on the
streets with little or nothing to do. The only nongovernmental organization in
Belize providing family planning and sexual and reproductive health care
services, the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) is well aware of the many
problems facing youth, such as AIDS, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted
diseases. To improve conditions for youth and address their problems, the BFLA
established a successful teen center in the Mesopotamia Area and the Belizean
Youths with an Aim for Prosperity (BYAP).
● The partner organizations issued a joint statement today noting that the Master
trainers were trained in the use of teaching and learning strategies for engaging
young people in virtual spaces to support the effective delivery of comprehensive
sexuality education to adolescents and youth who are out of school. (Staff, 2021)
● A total of 27 community-level CSE master trainers have graduated from a
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) course, facilitated by the Belize
Family Life Association (BFLA) and the United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA).
C. Review and use the sex education resources and tools the clinics or health organizations can
provide or recommend.
● Digital tools developed by Planned Parenthood, Sex Ed to Go: a FREE resource for
students, teachers, parents and caregivers to ensure young people get foundational
knowledge about sexual health. Includes the following: Engaging, short courses (15-40
mins) for students on anatomy, consent, relationships, and accessing health services in
English and Spanish. Teacher tools for easy sex education instruction, including complete
 packages and curriculum updates. Parent resources to support youth decision-making for
health and life(Digital Tools for Sex Educators | Sex Education Tools, n.d.).
● the relationships and sex education (RSE) collection of resources for primary and
secondary learners from Tes(Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Resources, n.d.)

Transition: As we embrace the concept of comprehensive sex education as the solution, it's
crucial to visualize the positive impact it can have on the lives of young people.

**III. Visualization: Envision a future where every young person is confident in their
understanding of sexual health, communicates openly with their partners, and navigates
relationships with respect and responsibility.
A. First, students with no knowledge of sex will have a school environment in them to
acknowledge and take active steps to improve a healthy lifestyle
● .Consider here where young people comprise 60% of the total population. Many
face challenges such as dropping out of school, loitering with little direction, and
grappling with issues like AIDS, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted
diseases. Recognizing these problems, the Belize Family Life Association
established a thriving teen center and the Belizean Youths with an Aim for
Prosperity initiative. These endeavors signify the proactive steps taken to address
the unique needs of Belize's youth.
● It can prevent girls from dropping out of school due to pregnancy and ensure their
right to education (Early Marriage, Pregnancy and Girl Child School Dropout |
Health and Education Resource Centre, n.d.). Creating a supportive and inclusive
school environment that respects girls’ dignity and rights and provides them with
adequate sexual and reproductive health education, guidance and counseling, and
childcare facilities
B. The ultimate vision is of a generation that enters adulthood resilient, well-informed, and
capable of making healthy choices.
● The school's commitment to comprehensive sex education becomes a catalyst for
positive societal change as empowered youth contribute to building healthier
communities. The youth emerging from schools become empowered advocates
for sexual health and education. A study by the Guttmacher Institute found that
comprehensive sex education(CSE) programs can reduce homophobia, expand
students’ understanding of gender and gender norms, decrease intimate partner
violence, and improve communication skills(Federally Funded Sex Education:
Strengthening and Expanding Evidence-Based Programs, 2022).

● They actively engage in community initiatives, advocating for policies that

support comprehensive sex education and working to destigmatize conversations
around sexual health. A report by the International Planned Parenthood
Federation (IPPF) highlighted the role of young people as agents of change and
 leaders in promoting comprehensive sex education(CSE). The report showcased
examples of youth-led advocacy campaigns, peer education programmes, and
community outreach activities that aimed to increase access to and demand for
CSE services(From Evidence to Action: Advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality
Education | IPPF, 2021).
Transition: Our efforts can improve sexual health statistics and break the stigma of students
being in the dark about their sexuality.

Counterargument/Alternative Perspective
1. Some argue that comprehensive sex education may clash with cultural or religious values
held by particular communities. There are concerns that explicit discussions about topics
such as contraception, sexual orientation, and gender identity might be perceived as
conflicting with cultural or religious beliefs.
2. Critics may argue that sex education infringes on parental rights, asserting that
discussions about such intimate topics should primarily occur within the family unit.
There is concern that schools might overstep boundaries and introduce content that
parents may find objectionable or prefer to handle privately.

Conclusion

Restate the thesis and main points- The implementation of comprehensive sex education in
schools is not only a crucial necessity but a transformative force that shapes resilient and
informed youth. This commitment goes beyond the basics, offering a holistic approach that
equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible decisions about
their sexual health.

Concluding Device: As schools collaborate with local healthcare professionals, establish

community partnerships, and utilize modern resources, they become catalysts for positive
societal change. In this vision, empowered youth contribute to building healthier communities,
reduce health disparities, and foster a culture that prioritizes well-being, inclusivity, and lifelong
learning.

1. Now is the time for action. Let's stand together to ensure that every student receives the
comprehensive sex education they deserve.
2. Contact your local representatives, engage with your school boards, and raise awareness
about the importance of empowering our youth with the knowledge they need for a
healthy and responsible future.
 Reference:

Goldfarb, E. S., & Lieberman, L. D. (2021). Three Decades of Research: The case for

Comprehensive Sex Education. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(1), 13–27.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.07.036

What Works In Schools: Sexual Health Education. (n.d.). DASH | CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/whatworks/what-works-sexual-health-education.htm

State of Sex Education in USA | Health Education in schools. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators/whats-state-sex-education-us

One in six pregnancies among women in Britain are unplanned. (2013, November 26).

Wellcome. https://wellcome.org/press-release/one-six-pregnancies-among-women-

britain-are-unplanned

Sexual Risk Behaviors | DASH | CDC. (n.d.).

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm

Staff, B. (2021, March 25). More than 20 master trainers graduate from Comprehensive

Sexuality Education course. Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2021/03/24/more-than-20-master-trainers-

graduate-from-comprehensive-sexuality-education-course/

Digital tools for sex Educators | Sex Education Tools. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/for-educators/digital-tools
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) resources. (n.d.). Tes.

https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/relationships-and-sex-education

Early marriage, pregnancy and girl child school dropout | Health and Education

Resource Centre. (n.d.).

https://healtheducationresources.unesco.org/library/documents/early-marriage-

pregnancy-and-girl-child-school-dropout

Federally Funded Sex Education: Strengthening and Expanding Evidence-Based

Programs. (2022, August 24). Guttmacher Institute. https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-

sheet/sex-education

From Evidence to Action: Advocating for comprehensive sexuality education | IPPF.

(2021, September 8). IPPF. https://www.ippf.org/resource/evidence-action-advocating-

comprehensive-sexuality-education