Sex Education
I find this to be a most curious topic for Dewey. Considering the time in
which he wrote, I doubt he gave much consideration into the integration of
sex education in the school curriculum. He probably just assumed it was a
matter to be dealt with in the family setting. However, not every student
has the most ideal family situation. So then, how would Dewey incorporate
sex education into the school curriculum? Using his guidelines, I have an
idea. I think it would be a very practical and applicable education. I
therefore don't believe it would be kids sitting in a classroom listening
to someone tell them how babies are made and what kinds of STDs exist in
our world. So I think it would be more like parenthood classes that some
high schools have. EVERY student would be required to take care of one
those electronic dolls that simulate real life situations for babies for a
semester or at least half of one. This would really make them think about
whether or not they are willing to take on the responsibilities of raising
a child just for a few moments of pleasure. There should also be a
practical way of showing them just how awful sexually transmitted diseases
are. I believe this would be the most efficient and effective way of
teaching our kids how to think before they act and what the consequences
of their actions might be. We should also be honest in telling them about the risks involved in
trying to use contraceptives. While condoms have a high rate of success,
there could easily be a mistake or accident if used improperly.
Also, students should be given the opportunity to go out in to the
community to find where contraceptives are available (planned parenthood,
another free clinic, doctors offices, drugstores for condoms, etc). Since
some students are going to have sex anyway, knowing where to get the right
information and the right help will help them protect themselves. This
activity will teach them to be responsible for themselves and how to
protect themselves. Since society is, right now, very focused on sex,
they can get the right information instead of being fed what the media,
and MTV, are projecting. While an activity like this is controversial, I
don't believe Dewey would agree with the "abstinence only" programs that
are going on in many schools today. Abstinence only programs are simply
not realistic to today's youth.
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