Considerable progress has been made in the last three decades in contraceptive technology and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. However, education of the nation's youth about sexual health issues has been less successful. Most parents remain silent on the topic of sexuality while states argue over the curriculum. As a result, a…

The purpose of this review paper, "Adolescent Sexual Education: Designing Curriculum That Works", is to present some basic curriculum necessities for developing an in-school sexual education program that results in decreasing the number of teenagers initiating sex, thus reducing the number of teen pregnancies and cases of sexually transmitted…

President Barack Obama has proposed an end to abstinence-only-until-marriage funding as Americans have known it for the better part of the last decade. This marks a significant change in direction, one that finally brings science and evidence back into government policy. His leadership on this new direction will be essential in the coming…

Discusses what is currently known about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including routes for the transmission of the AIDS virus, the prevention of AIDS, and some of the non-issues regarding the disease. Urges community leaders and teachers to become more involved in AIDS education. (TW)

Calls for more education as the immediate preventative measure against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Discusses the known ways that AIDS is transmitted and cautions that many innocent people may also contract the disease. Promotes the presentation of accurate and personally sensitive information to children. (TW)

Focuses on the social consequences of the AIDS epidemic, arguing that sociologists have an important contribution to make in planning for the long-range social consequences of AIDS. Concludes with three different commentaries on Berk's article. (Author/BSR)

Contains excerpts from a special study on the AIDS epidemic by the Institute of Medicine and National Academy of Sciences. Presents an overview of the problem, outlines educational needs and public health measures, and identifies future research needs. (ML)

Discusses a number of obstacles that limit effective education for reducing the incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States. Includes behaviors that must be changed, disagreement about the propriety of educational messages to prevent AIDS, and uncertainty as to some of the dual messages of reassurance being…

Teens encounter a barrage of messages about sexuality in popular culture--messages that shape their identities and schooling experiences in profound ways. Meanwhile, teen sexuality, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increasingly arouse public panic. To date, however, schools do little to help teens make sense of their…

By December 1968, the Anaheim Family Life and Sex Education (FLSE) program, celebrated since its formal introduction in 1965 as one of the most progressive in the nation, was being smeared as communistic and perverse. Local activists in this Orange County city had been congregating in hotel rooms and homes, screening cautionary films for the…

This report explores policy initiatives, priorities, and plans of action recommended to policymakers with respect to a commitment to education for youth on prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Young people with AIDS/HIV infection, can be offered compassion, hope, and support.…

Public-health specialists say colleges and universities could play a crucial role in halting the spread of AIDS by educating all their students about the disease and how to avoid becoming infected with the virus that causes it. Reaching minority groups and drug users, and "safe sex" kits are discussed. (MLW)

Teen pregnancies and teen sexually transmitted diseases cost society in terms of adding to the tax burden by supporting people who have dropped out of the tax base without a job or education in order to have a baby or repair their health. They also cost because of the loss of human potential of a young life interrupted and cut short with greater…

Reviews recent evidence regarding increases in sexual activity and decreases in age of first sexual experience among Nigerian youth. Presents nine goals of sex education instruction and identifies problems in implementing sex education in the Nigerian schools. (JDH)

Advocates the study of the emergence and growth of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a social problem in a course on human sexuality. Stresses the importance of AIDS education, telling why sociology courses are particularly suited to instruction concerning AIDS and discussing the incomplete student knowledge of AIDS. (Author/AEM)