How is your school teaching sex ed? You should inquire about who is providing and delivering the curriculum. Are you privy to it? Is it aligned with your values? Often this is found under the umbrella of Health and Wellness.
Many independent schools contract with Speak About It —"sex-positive, pleasure-forward consent for all." If your school uses this organization, you may want to ask some questions.
SCHOOLS Speak About It WORKS WITH:
Berwick Academy, ME
Brewster Academy, NH
Brooks School, MA
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, MA
Bullis School, MD
Burr and Burton, VT
Cape Elizabeth High School, ME
Casco Bay High School, ME
Charles E Smith Jewish Day School, MD
Deering High School, ME
Deerfield Academy, MA
Derryfield School, NH
Flint Hill School, VA
Forman School, CT
Fort Kent Community School, ME
Governor’s Academy, MA
Hebron Academy, ME
Holderness School, NH
Holton-Arms School, MD
Kimball Union Academy, NH
Landon School, VA
Mt Ararat High School, ME
Lewiston High School, ME
Mt. Desert Island High School, ME
Mt. Greylock High School, ME
National Cathedral School, DC
Oxford Hills High School, ME
Pelham High School, NY
Putney School, VT
Sanford High School, ME
Sandy Spring Friends School, MD
Scarborough High School, ME
Sidwell Friends School, M
St John's School, Houston, TX
St. Paul's School, NH
Taft School, CT
Tabor Academy, MA
The Wheeler School, RI
Washington International School, DC
Wayneflete School, ME
Worcester Academy
Western Reserve Academy, OH
Westminster School, CT
Westwood High School, MA
Winchester High School, MA
What Are They Teaching Students?
How Does Porn Enter The Conversation?
See the excerpt below from The Speak About It Guide to Speaking About Porn. Does their approach to the subject reflect your family's values?
Thirty peer-reviewed studies since 2011 reveal pornography use has negative and detrimental impacts on the brain. If you are concerned about porn, you can learn about The Porn Crisis from Culture Reframed and by watching this interview with Dr. Mary Anne Layden, Ph.D.
What Should Parents Expect From Schools?
Schools should not impart morality-based opinions to their students; rather, they should equip them with accurate, age-appropriate information to make safe, informed decisions.
Parents should be primary sex educators for their children. While “the talk” is not easy, parents must engage with their children and share their values, or their children will get them from “other” sources. Sometimes the most effective conversations happen spontaneously, even in the car.
Some Questions You Might Ask/Answer
When do you think is the right “age” or time to have sex?
How did you learn about sex? Who gave you the most information about reproduction; who gave you the most information about relationships?
How do you think things have changed sexually for teenagers since you were in high school? If you feel they have changed, why?
What is the most important advice you would give me about relationships after sex?