As a 20-year-old college student, Jourden Barclay recalls feeling pressured to have sex in high school. However, she chose to resist the pressure. Unfortunately, not all young people, particularly Black youth, are equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health. The lack of comprehensive sexual health education in schools contributes to this issue.
The Crisis of Inadequate Sexual Health Education
According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, Black female teenagers are more likely to have an unwanted first sexual experience compared to their white counterparts. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education in schools.
Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide and an OBGYN, emphasizes the importance of having conversations about sexual health. “Young people need accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their bodies and their relationships,” she says. “It’s not just about the ‘birds and the bees.’ It’s about teaching them the proper names of private parts, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
However, a survey revealed that one in four parents feel awkward discussing sex with their children, and 21% do not plan on having such conversations. This leaves many young people without the necessary information and resources to protect their sexual health.
The Pressure on Young Black Girls
The hypersexualization of Black girls contributes to the pressure they face to engage in sexual activity. Society often views Black girls as older and more sexually mature than they are, which can lead to harmful stereotypes and expectations.
This hypersexualization can also have serious consequences for Black girls’ sexual health. According to the CDC, Black youth aged 13-24 accounted for 59% of new HIV diagnoses in 2019. This disproportionate burden highlights the need for comprehensive sexual health education that addresses the unique needs and experiences of Black youth.
Kimberly Huggins, a sexual health educator and activist, emphasizes the importance of teaching young Black girls about consent and healthy relationships. “Consent is not just about saying yes or no,” she says. “It’s about having ongoing conversations about boundaries, respect, and communication.”
The Need for a Shift in Societal Values
To prioritize the well-being of young Black girls, there needs to be a shift in societal values. This includes challenging harmful stereotypes and expectations and promoting a culture of respect and empowerment.
Dr. McDonald-Mosley emphasizes the need for comprehensive sexual health education that goes beyond abstinence-only approaches. “Abstinence-only education does not work,” she says. “Young people need accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their bodies and their relationships.”
Comprehensive sexual health education includes teaching about contraception, STIs, and healthy relationships. It also includes addressing the social and cultural factors that contribute to sexual risk behaviors, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma.
According to a study on sexual health education in England, there are concerns about the future of parenthood and fears about pregnancy and childbirth. The study emphasizes the need for more inclusive, transparent, and relevant sex education curriculum to address key reproductive issues and improve students’ knowledge and attitudes towards fertility.
The study also highlights the inadequacies in fertility education in schools, which can lead to misinformation and misunderstandings about reproductive health. This is especially concerning for young people who may not have access to comprehensive sexual health education outside of school.
Opt-in policies for sexual health education in schools, particularly in Utah, have also been identified as a barrier to access. These policies require parents to opt-in their children for sexual health education, rather than opting them out. This can lead to a significant increase in STIs among youth who do not receive comprehensive sexual health education.
Advocates are calling for a switch to opt-out policies to ensure that all students receive comprehensive sexual health education. This would allow students to make informed decisions about their sexual health and reduce the risk of sexual risk behaviors and STIs.
In conclusion, the lack of comprehensive sexual health education in schools disproportionately impacts Black youth, particularly young Black girls. The hypersexualization of Black girls, the pressure to engage in sexual activity, and the risks of STIs all contribute to the need for comprehensive sexual health education that addresses the unique needs and experiences of Black youth. A shift in societal values is also necessary to prioritize their well-being and promote a culture of respect and empowerment. Comprehensive sexual health education goes beyond abstinence-only approaches and includes teaching about contraception, STIs, and healthy relationships. It also addresses the social and cultural factors that contribute to sexual risk behaviors. By prioritizing comprehensive sexual health education, we can ensure that all young people have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.