Kids today already know what's going on BEFORE they have sex. But the media teaches how much fun it is in movies etc. etc. to the point that they figure they are missing something so they try it, find out it's fun, but don't have the maturity to take precautions from STDs or pregnancy. A parent can talk to em' till' they're blue, but they're gonna' do what they want to do.

Eman
Feb 7, 2010 at 12:32 p.m.
Suggest removal ms_sassy_wi... I bet you voted Obama didn't you? Entitled to everything and responsible for nothing. Look around you. Kids pregnant, kids having oral sex parties, bracelets that indicate how far a girl will go. This is all because of whats been tought so far. You want to go farther in the same direction. THAT’S CRAZY!
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I bet you voted for Palin right? You know the women you believes in abstinence only for her state (Alaska) while her own daughter got pregnant at 17.
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So, how well is that abstience only thing working out? What is NOT being taught is the problem?
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Again, should we not teach about drugs, alcohol etc... just because it is illegal. If they don't know it won't happen, huh? We can already see how that is working...it is NOT!

if you are refering to me, I don't know what lies you are talking about.

I have seen people respond to janesvillehousewife, I am jvlhousewife, If their is someone with the username janesvillehousewife it is not me.

Rocky- yes parents should do this. So for your children this will be REVIEW. Like some of us have mentioned there is nothing wrong with REPETITION!
Some parents don't have a clue and could use the course themselves!!!!! You want this child as your child's girl/boyfriend. I think not. Teach it in school TOO.

eman- question for you. Did you wait until you were EIGHTEEN to have sex? Case closed then!

eman- if you think teens will OBEY the law you are insane! They drink, they smoke, they WILL have sex. They need to be informed on the results of their actions and know how to protect themselves IF the choose to break the law. If you don't like it pull them out of the class and enjoy being a grandparent of a 13 year old.
Sooner the better I say and yes REPETITION!

Enman,
So is a Don't Drink and Drive Campaign at our local high schools also wrong. How about educating them about the dangers of marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, crack, etc...? Should we not do that?
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Seriously, educating does not equal condoning. Present the facts...all of them and let the student and their parent(s) figure out the moral part.

Unfortunately whether you talk the sex ed talk to your kids or let the schools do it you will have very little control over what your kid decides to do. Peer pressure is much stronger than parent pressure. I work in a school and I see "good kids" from "good homes" (my own included) who still go ahead and have sex and think they can handle it. My husband and I talked to our kids from the time they were 7 and answered every question they asked, we promoted abstinence at every opportunity but at the same time talked of safe sex in the event they decided to go against our beliefs.
EMAN-"My son will experiment with alcohol, drugs, sex, lying, stealing etc. But I will know it because he will tell me. My son has a conscience. I have made sure of it."
You couldn't be more naive. Your kid will tell you "some" things--just enough to keep you happy, but he won't tell you all things. That's not to say that he's going to turn into one of those "SEX CRIMINALS" you talk about but chances are he will experiment with some part of sex and not tell you. At least not right away.He may eventually tell you but hopefully not because he's contracted an STD or gotten some girl pregnant. I have kids at school tell me things they wouldn't tell their parents and the most common responses to my question of why they don't tell their parents. "They'd kill me", "I'd be too ashamed" or the saddest one I've heard "I don't want them to be disappointed in me." Most parents fall under one of these categories/responses. I thought my kids would tell me anything and they did but not until one thought she should get on birth control before she got pregnant and another one because they thought they might have an STD. But I'm just grateful they came to me at all and I was able to help them through their crises. In other words, prepare for the worst and hope for the best cause that's all you can do once they venture out into "undiscovered territory".

digriz would know best about the back seat of cars.

DiGriz- I love your comments!!

yes I have kids, they all know that if they ever have sex before they are 18 they better enjoy it because it will be the last time it happens until they turn 18 because they will not be allowed to go out of the house without one of us parents. If they are doing any sports they will not be allowed to continue with it. Any activities outside of school will be dropped. We will drive them to school and pick them up from school everyday. They have also been told that if they are 18 or older and living in our house and they decide to have sex with out being married they better hope the other person has room for them because they will not be allowed to live in our house.

A new study published by the American Medical Association in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicince, shows that abstinence education programs are effective.

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/02/03/the-...

janesville housewife does not have kids, clueless woman.

digriz, I have the feeling you know a lot about trailer parks.

Use some of the fund balance money and bring in Tim Tebow to speak about SEX. The kids will listen to him.

"I just find it fascinating that tax payer funded schools will be teaching our young people how to become sex criminals."

What is more likely to happen:
1) Kid gets prosecuted for having sex.
2) Kid gets pregnant or STD from having sex.

Underage girls get pregant all the time, yet neither they nor the underage father of their child gets prosecuted. Using your own words, yes, you are old school and obtuse.

jvlhousewife, I take offense to you saying that my getting birthcontrol for my daughter is because I want to be the "coolest parent" I have repeatedly had talks with all of my kids, explaining consequences, risks, disease, I dont care if they think I am cool or not, I am nobodys "friend" I try to keep it open for discussion at any time. When I found out that she had decided to become sexually active, she didnt come to me to discuss anything, I was very confident that she would have, I had not a clue, and I do pay close attention to all activities. However disappointed I am with her decision, I am not going to tell her to stop it, and put my head in the sand pretending its not going on, she is on the pill now, to prevent a teenage pregnancy. there is nothing cool about it, and I am not hoping she thinks I am cool, I am, if anything embarrassed that she didnt make a different choice. However, I know in my parenting, I did all I could to keep communication open, to make my thoughts well known, she went through all the sex education in the schools, and I guess without all that we did, mabe she held off to a later age? I know it was nothing I did wrong, and I would not take any oppertunity for education at any level.

There is nothing wrong with sex education. As long as it is done tactfully by a trained professional. Most teachers are not trained in this in college, they may "touch" on it but it is not a specific course that they take. It would be wise to have a professional come into the school once a week, lets say in 9th grade, and conduct a class for the kids whose parents want them to attend. I know, you all will say by 9th grade it is too late, but I don't think so. I agree with home being the best place to learn, but in reality at the age of 4 or 5 they learn off of television and society and as some of you have said, some parents do not know how or are setting a bad example. Make sure they are mature enough to handle what they are being told and taught. My children are all grown, but I would want this for my three grandsons and one granddaughter. Life happens, learn to live with it! JMO

DiGriz... I agree with your comments, I saw the trailer park comment and agree with you!!

digriz, so uneducated, you embarrass yourself.

It seems a big problem with these kids and their parties is that too many parents want to be their kids "friend" and they are not parenting. Those parents are the ones thinking that if they get the birth control pills for their daughter she will think they are the coolest parents. Those are the parents that are not parenting! The other problem is the families that are "well off" usually have both parents working and no one at home parenting. In both of those situations kids are left to grow up on their own, which usually means their friends are doing the parenting, while there parents are working or their parents are giving them their "space" and it all leads to kids trying new things such as sex or drugs. Parents need to decide before they have kids what will come first, their children or their material life style. Which goes back to sex ed in the schools teaching kids what sex leads to. All teenage kids need to learn what sex can lead to.

Rocky, I appreciate your comment. However, the reality is that my children are both adults now and no longer in the public school system. They are 21 and 24, working, contributing members of society who I spent a great deal of time (as did their father and grandparents, etc) teaching them love, respect, rules and why we need them and how they should conduct themselves to be respected in life. Not all parents do that. Those children resort to learning from classmates, criminals and others they may encounter in society whether they are "good" infuences or "bad" ones. One way or another they will learn. Shouldn't we be concerned about WHAT they learn as well as WHO they learn it from? Parents would be the primary and ideal source, but since that isn't always the case, what is the next logical source? let's see a place that by law reaches thousands of children gathered at one place and no new program needs to be established in order to make contact with them...schools perhaps?

I'm thinking the lot of you (both sides) need to step back and analyze the problem some more. Ask yourself: Why are the schools being the ones to teach my kids about sex and responsible behavior? Isn't that MY job as the parent of these children? I have no problem with the school teaching some biological facts of life that are essentially the same for all mammals. But when the school starts teaching my child what their values should be and what is and is not appropriate sexual behavior, then I say "stop". Contraception is something kids need to know about, but clearly not all at the same time and in the same way. It is the parent's job to have open, frank discussions with their kids, and just because some are failing at this responsibility doesn't mean the school is the appropriate substitute.

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So there you are. Parents - talk to your kids. Be honest and open about all the aspects of relationships, including sex. Pass on your values in no uncertain terms. Your kids will thank you for it some day.

I guess I should clarify my comment so I do not appear to be "one of those" posters...

the problem is that people don't want to talk about reality. the problem is while you may have ONE view that you feel very strongly is the only view to have, someone right next to you may have a different view. does that make your neighbor's view WRONG? no. just different. everyone brings different life experiences to the table, but at some point we all have to try to get along and compromise.

good eman. stop talking to yourself because you are the problem here.

"Sexual maturity comes at different ages and many children are ready biologically before they are ready cognitively and socially. Then it becomes a question of values and morality," says Gary Freeman, a child psychologist at North York General Hospital. "A child may be biologically ready for sex at 12, but that doesn't mean it's appropriate for them to be having sex at that age."

The reality is that even some kids in middle school are biologically ready to have sex. It may not fit your religious/moral beliefs and it may be technically against the law, but that does not change the laws of nature. To ignore teaching birth control techniques because you don't want you child to have sex is simply ignorant. You should teach them to respect what you believe and to respect themselves. But also teach them what they need to be safe.

eman, can you please explain what you think Obama has to do with sex ed curriculum?

I bet this will blow your mind eman. There are kids in churches having sex. look around at the altar for the altar divers next time. These are "good" kids coming from "good, Christian families" who are having sex.

if you think I am in support of people who cannot take responsibility for their actions you are SO mistaken! I am in support of TEACHING people how to BE RESPONSIBLE! HUGE DIFFERENCE!

No. I'm angry because it took "liberals in Madison" to write legislation because all of the conservatives didn't want sex to be talked about in "their" schools...Classic NIMBYism. "We don't want teens having sex in my community..." So someone had to write the law so schools not only COULD, but now MUST teach children about the big nasty word "sex". I didn't want this to turn into a political debate, but eman continuously uses the term "liberals" in a negative way (left-wing nut). I think the liberals have seen that the conservatives want to live in a perfect world, but sadly, we don't. Some people, I would go so far to say, really don't want to live. They live in unhappy, poverty-stricken, drug and alcohol dependent states and really are just "going through the motions" but not training their children, not spending the time with their kids and live a different lifestyle than many here can fathom. Good, bad or indifferent, it is reality and that is what we have to deal with...as nice as it would be to plan for curriculum for kids in a perfect world, it's just not possible or practical.

In Beloit, the school board resisted ANY discussion about teaching sex ed, but they built an area for the school age mothers to play with their children during school hours. Exactly what then, is the message they are sending to the high schoolers?

Eman,

It's not what has been tought at school, it is about good parenting. People don't discipline their children well or even talk to their kids about this subject. Then their kids turns out to be a bad apple and they try and blame the school system. This stuff starts at home. You indicate that you talk to your children about the subject and that is great, but the other people that are not parenting well are the result of all the teen pregnancy and increase in oral sex at a young age. It is not the school ciriculum's fault.

Eman, if you think the schools are going to "teach kids how to have sex" you are the "unwise and foolish" one! EVENTUALLY the kids are going to have sex...maybe when they are 18, maybe later, maybe (and more likely) earlier...shouldn't they learn about the effects of sex on their bodies (the risks, the benefits, hormones and endorphines) and EVERYTHING that relates to developing, maintaining and preserving a healthy body?! Don't the kids deserve to be told the truth instead of burying our heads in the sand and avoid telling kids things that they NEED to know? We tell them to avoid alcohol and drugs. We teach them not to stick their fingers in an electrical outlet. We tell them never to play with matches. We teach them how to cook safely on the stove and using the oven. Why in the world would we NOT WANT to teach our kids about their bodies and that what they are experiencing is natural and part of human nature and that they need to know how to maintain a healthy sexual mind and body? The fact that everyone thinks this subject is taboo is a huge part of the problem!

jonztwo I am not so certain they are telling these kids its o.k. to be gay. But maybe put this in place so they don't get sued. Because when they offer dances and clubs etc.. for heterosexuals they need to offer something for those who have a alternative life style. I am not saying what I believe one way or another, just wanted to point out I don't believe they are 'telling' the kids its o.k. to be gay.

What is really disturbing is kids who are not even dating, are not even a couple, just having sex. I find that very disturbing. I can see,(not saying its o.k.) if a couple has been dating for a while. Then it might not surprise you as much. They even have oral sex parties, I am not letting the boys of the hook, but the girls have got to say NO. Where is the self esteem and pride in these young ladies? I am aware of a girl as young as 12 in eville having sex, and then thought she was pregnant. She was not dating any way just screwing around.

THE SCHOOLS TELL OUR KIDS ITS OK TO BE GAY..parker highschool G.S.A. CLUB (GAY,STRAIGHT,ALIANCE).BUT WE CAN'T TEACH OUR KIDS HOW TO PREVENT PREGNANCY???? ISN'T THAT THE KETTLE CALLIN THE POT BLACK.....

eman, I am sure you are a fine parent, I am not suggesting you are not. But I have friends who are very strict and have high expectations for their kids and all went well until their son was 15, I am not going to get into all that went on. Point more being , you can only can control your kids actions and thoughts for so long at some point they will make their own decisions and when and if they should have sex is one of them. As for the bus 'situation.' the school buses are nothing but zoo's on wheels with the way some kids act and talk on them. Be grateful that is all your son did on the bus. It crazy. Best of luck to you and your family.

eman, when your son gets to be 15,16, you would be 'crazy' to think he may not experiment so to speak. You do come off as a 'kook' because you come off as so extreme. Do also think its o.k. for parents to beat their child, when their child chooses to do something their parents do not believe in? I have found a lot of religious freaks think its o.k. in order to get their kids to do what they want them to do. Even when its as human nature as sexual activity.

"I sure as God above don’t want the unaccountable Jim Doyle or some Planned Parenthood loony left wing-nut telling my kids about sex." – EMan
I guess ignorance is bliss??? All parents are "accountable"??? Knowledge will never ever hurt anyone but we do live in a world of "greys" where not everyone puts that knowledge to good use. The very best we can do is give future generations complete, comprehensive, and unabridged education about their own physical well being regardless of whom provides that FACTUAL knowledge untainted by personal ideologies and prejudices.

eman....

....again, it's the whole "perfect world" thing...in a perfect world ALL parents would openly and frankly discuss things of this nature with their children.

Many parents can't or won't...many parents may not know any better themselves!

Many children won't talk to the parents, either.

I really do believe that the parents should be the ones to teach this stuff...I also know that many don't.

I will give you that the teachers should not be forced into not saying that sex is a bad thing...on the other hand, the teen pregnacy rate has gone UP since "W" and his lackeys un-funded any program that didn't teach abstinence only.

Coincidence? I don't think so

I will also add that with along with sex ed is schools, which many already do. Parents have to talk, and talk to their kids about sex. It is a big deal and one can not talk enough about it. I found once I started it got more comfortable as we went along. It was uncomfortable at first. But now we talk openly about all things, and my kids know what I expect. They know what my beliefs are. Can I be with them 24 hours a day no, so I want them to have as much education on the subject as possible. I think a big part of it is , is self esteem.

eman still finding your thinking very scary. Education is always the best alternative instead of sticking our head in the sand. Preach your beliefs to private schools. The public schools won't have it , because they live in reality and see what these kids are doing.

I can only assume Kara's suggestion of chaging the stat rape law is because many girls are very consenting and there is no reason why the boys should be the only ones to be prosecuted. Hold the girls as responssible as well, as maybe they would quit being so damn promicous. eman lives in a cave some where thinking you are going to stop teens from having sex. Even the best of parents are not going to stop that. Short of locking their child in the cave with eman, but we can educate them. We can tell them what we expect. That being said they will still do what they want. It is very few who oppose sex ed in schools and they always have the option of opting their kids out of that class. EMAN and anyone else does not have the right to dictate what the schools do. A lot of schools already have this type of sex ed, like Evansville. Like someone said as far as they know no parent has ever opted there kids out of the sex ed class. Eman go preach to the private schools you won't get your way with the public as they are much smarter and have more proactive thinking than you. Please stay in your cave. Your thinking is scary and I go to church weekly. ( Our minister's son takes sex ed, and I am sure his other kids will as well when they get to the junior high.)

eman, teenageers have sex breaking the law? under stats its stat.rape. THAT law needs to change if both parties are consenting. I have read some of your posts and you are a trip. Sexual Criminals, there is NO proof to back your claim and you are just spouting off at the mouth. YOU are trying to impose your religous crap on the rest of us. My parents went to church every Sunday and taught Sunday school but NEVER thought they had the right to tell everyone else how to think, and NEVER refereed to teens who engaged in sex ed class as sexual criminals. I took sex ed, over 20 years ago and I most certainly am not a sexual criminal. Quit trying to force your views and crazy talk on everyone else.

Whether it is right or wrong...whether it is against the law or not...kids are going to have sex, (not all, but a lot), and that's a fact.

Knowing that, this is the right approach.

However, this part is wrong..."a provision that would forbid teachers from saying that it’s wrong for teens to have sex."

FYI...curtaincall & pat...it IS against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to have sex (unless over sixteen and married).

Even if both are underage does not make it legal.

If you don't think so, read chapters 948.02 and 948.09 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Please don't suggest by providing a sex ed class that you are telling these kids its o.k. to have sex. Sex is not something to be embarrassed about or not talked about. I talk, talk, talk, about sex with my kids one girl and two teenage boys. You can bet we talk. How ever the school goes into more detail when it comes to diseases than I ever have. It does not lead to sexual predators, come on. These kids are going to have sex regardless if there is this class or not. To suggest that it causes them to is ridiculous. I also tell my kids what I expect. Responsible behavior. That life will be a lot simpler if they wait until they are older and mature. ( I think 30, and done with college) they laughed at me when I suggested that. Perfect example of some one who stuck her head in the sand is Sarah Palin, she thought her daughter would practice abstinence and boy was she wrong. I do not want any surprises like that.

eman...

....you're right...in a perfect world, we would never have to worry about our sons and daughters having sex before they are ready. Or getting an STD....or getting pregnant.

I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but we do NOT live in a perfect world...and sometimes, bad things happen....even to "good" kids.

Is it better to teach kids what's happening and how to prevent it or to stick our collective heads in the sand and tell ourselves that it really is a perfect little world out there and little Johnny and Janie are perfectly safe....they won't even be holding hands.

Good luck with that.

eman do not commit libel or misrepresent the facts. If you don't like the idea state your opinion without suggesting everyone who has this class is going to become a sexual criminal. It is not against the law. In the last four years, since I have worked at the middle school in Evansville I do not know of one parent who has objected to this class. Because they all know its better to educate than stick your head in the sand and pay the consequences later.

NO eman it is not against the law. But its clear you live in your own world anyway. But it most certainly is not against the law. You sound more ridiculous each time you post.

educate, educate, educate. This is not the 1700's where sex was not talked about. It is here, its staying and the best defense against disease and unwanted pregnancy is education. I bet eman is against abortion as well, but yet against educating the youth. Some parents don't talk enough about sex at home, or would rather they did learn about it in school. That is a insult to all the youth who have had sex ed, and any who do to suggest they are on the road to xxxx.

Eman that it one of the dumbest things I have ever seen anyone post before. "sex criminals" . You are sick.