Comprehensive sexual education programs are more effective than abstinence-only programs at reducing teen pregnancy and STD rates. Abstinence-only programs teach that abstaining from sex is the only way to avoid pregnancy and STDs, and have teens take a "virginity pledge." However, only a third of teens who take the pledge actually abstain from sex. Comprehensive programs teach abstinence as the best option but also educate about contraceptives. Teens receiving comprehensive education are less likely to report unplanned pregnancy, and are more likely to delay sex or have less frequent sexual activity.

1. SEXUAL EDUCATION
By: Shardae Dickgrafe

2. ARE WE TEACHING TEENAGERS
ENOUGH?
Apparently We Aren’t!

3. ABSTINENCE
• Abstinence only programs teach teenagers that abstaining from sexual acts
is the only way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and
unplanned teen pregnancy.
• During the course teens are asked to take the “Virginity Pledge” where
they pledge to wait to have sex until they are married.

4. COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL
EDUCATION
• Teaches abstinence as the best way to avoid STDs and unplanned
pregnancy
• Teaches about contraceptives and birth control

5. WHICH IS BETTER?
ABSTINENCE
• Only 1/3 of teenagers who take
the virginity pledge actually
abstain.
• More likely to have unprotected
sex
• 31 of every 100 girls will get
pregnant
COMPREHENSIVE
• Teenagers who receive
comprehensive sexual education
(CSE) are significantly less likely
to report unplanned pregnancy
• 40% delay sexual initiation
• 30% reduced frequency of sexual
activity

6. Teenagers account for nearly half of all reports of STDs every year

7. The teen pregnancy rate is falling but still way too high