Parents Want Abstinence Taught  Most parents by a 2 to 1 margin want the abstinence message in schools, says a recent Zogby poll. The poll revealed that 80 percent of parents think sex education in public schools should place more emphasis on promoting abstinence over contraceptive use. And 90 percent think it is important for schools to emphasize abstaining from sex given the high number of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) among teens.
The study found that, once parents understand what abstinence education actually teaches, six out of 10 would rather their child receive abstinence education over comprehensive sex education, with only three out of 10 preferring the latter. Also, most parents actually reject comprehensive sex education with two out of three parents thinking that the importance of the "wait to have sex" message ends up being lost when programs demonstrate and encourage the use of contraception. Over half of parents think that promoting and demonstrating condom usage encourages sexual activity and 80 percent think teens will not use a condom every single time. Results of the report also showed that eight in 10 parents support the core teaching components of abstinence education, such as the benefits of renewed abstinence to sexually experienced students, developing healthy relationships to improve their chances for a healthy future marriage, and increasing self-worth and self-control as methods for reducing premarital sexual activity. "Parents are starting to see through the lies," said Linda Klepacki, analyst for sexual health for Focus on the Family Action, alluding to misinformation in the media. Focus on the Family’s The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing
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