U.S. Continues to Lag Behind European Countries in Teen Sexual Health - Cleveland Sex Ed Initiative Takes Promising Science-Base...(ank Jackson the Mayor of Cleveland held ...),Health

• Students in 1st through 3rd grades reported they learned about good touch/bad touch, what to do if someone tries to touch them inappropriately, and about respecting others;
• Students indicated they are more likely to behave responsibly, such as stating they would not allow themselves to be coerced into sex;
• High school students had significantly better attitudes regarding protecting themselves and their partners if and when they choose to engage in sexual activity; and
• Parents and teachers overwhelmingly believe these lessons are important for their children and students.

Though the Cleveland program started in 2006 -- too early to evaluate behavioral as opposed to attitudinal outcomes -- the program is promising when viewed in conjunction with other recent research demonstrating that adolescents who receive comprehensive sex education have a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who receive abstinence-only or no sex education.

"Numerous studies have established that students who receive age-appropriate, medically accurate education about their bodies and how to protect themselves from disease and pregnancy are able to make healthy decisions," said Marcia Egbert, chair of the Cleveland Collaborative for Comprehensive School-Age Health. Cleveland is helping to turn the page on sex education policy in America by embracing the evidence-based approach supported by the leading medical and public health organizations in the country" ('/>"/>