Abstinence-only programs might work, study says

[yowza]

Originally Posted by momma

I agree with a lot things you all are saying. But I don't agree that the answer is one single answer. Because the biggest things you've forgotten was what your raging teenage hormones were like.

You also failed to mention that our generation especially the ones from the 60's who supported the Sex Revolution only opened the door for an explosion of teenage sex in each generation to come.

Absolutely. You are right to say that teens are stupid animals ruled by hormones and instinct. Obviously it's impossible to expect that they could be reasoned with and they could have the self control to make positive decisions for themselves. I mean, I did as a teen, but obviously I'm an exceptional case. You can't expect anyone else to be able to make good decisions if you give them good information.

[momma]

Originally Posted by yowza

Absolutely. You are right to say that teens are stupid animals ruled by hormones and instinct. Obviously it's impossible to expect that they could be reasoned with and they could have the self control to make positive decisions for themselves. I mean, I did as a teen, but obviously I'm an exceptional case. You can't expect anyone else to be able to make good decisions if you give them good information.

Whoa I guess your aren't ruled by emotions or hormones today by your post. That is way over board and uncalled for. I DID NOT call teenagers STUPID ANIMALS. That was totally uncalled for go to your room and rethink how you are talking to momma.

Yes I do expect teenagers to have DISICPLENT and make GOOD DECISIONS. My husband and I have held our kids to very high standards and anyone that knows me knows this is true. But I am wise enough to remember what hormones are like. I will also have you know that I did myself as a teenager have control. What my previous post was trying to say is that there isn't one single reason or answer to the equation. You are still dealing with human beings and particularly with immature ones growing into adulthood.

You can come out of your room when you have calmed down

[RIchard Bland]

Originally Posted by homstdr74

Then don't give them the ideas and the tools with which to take those chances.

Maybe teenagers today are a lot stupider than we were. We sure didn't need any adult authority figures to give us any ideas. As for the tools, well, they were always right there, at hand....

[yowza]

Obviously alot of folks think todays teens have alot less control than previous generations.

Momma if you were able to control yourself than why expect less of your kids?

[napoleon]

Why does it seem that sex is the only subject intelligent responsible adults are willing to adopt a “they are going to do it anyway so they might as well be safe” policy instead of a don’t do it policy.

So let’s apply the “they’re going to do it anyway” standard to other teen activities:

Drinking-Since they are going to do it anyway, let’s serve alcohol at school dances. That way we can make sure that no one is going to consume so much that they get alcohol poisoning. We can also run busses so no one is driving. What would the career life expectancy of a principal who suggested this –though they may be voted teacher of the year by the students.

Drugs- Same thing with the school parties, but a lot of dangerous chemicals go into meth so we need to have the chemistry class show kids the proper way to cook meth because some are going to do it anyway. In fact, the school should cook the meth for the kids just to make sure.

[napoleon]

Originally Posted by minime

Sex feels good. It is a natural act. Young people think they are old enough to handle being a family - so telling them to wait until they are married is just telling them that they should get married.

Teach them reality. Being young and tied down with a child is not enjoyable. Teach them of the incredible opportunities out there if they are not tied down. Encouraging marriage so that you can enjoy sex just does not make sense to me. Trying to convince young people how evil it is to have sex before marriage does not make sense to me.

Focusing on how enjoyable life can be when you are putting yourself number one and making sure that you are successful in life does make sense to me.

When I was a teenager, we were taught, especially in the church and at home, how terrible it was to have sex when we weren't married. It did not mean nearly as much as my boyfriend telling me he loved me and we were going to be together forever. I had sex with him because I believed him, I wanted to be a mommy, it felt good, and I thought that was how life was supposed to go - get married and have a family and live happily ever after. I saw how happy my parents were and just knew that was how it would be for us.

What I didn't know was they hell that my parents went through to get to that point. I didn't know that going to college and enjoying my youth would mean so much. I, like so many other teenaged girls, ended up pregnant, single, and struggling to make ends meet. I am a successful woman now, that enjoys the fruits of my labor, but I paid a high price to get here. Years of fitting in college, work, and raising a family. Now, we are able to enjoy that hard work.

But, I sure wish someone would have taught me the importance of growing up and having my act together before jumping into "adult life" so quickly.

Looks like they were trying. My problem has never been not knowing right for wrong or what was good for me, it was doing, or not doing, what was right anyway.

[AFRetired]

Originally Posted by napoleon

Why does it seem that sex is the only subject intelligent responsible adults are willing to adopt a “they are going to do it anyway so they might as well be safe” policy instead of a don’t do it policy.

So let’s apply the “they’re going to do it anyway” standard to other teen activities:

Drinking-Since they are going to do it anyway, let’s serve alcohol at school dances. That way we can make sure that no one is going to consume so much that they get alcohol poisoning. We can also run busses so no one is driving. What would the career life expectancy of a principal who suggested this –though they may be voted teacher of the year by the students.

Drugs- Same thing with the school parties, but a lot of dangerous chemicals go into meth so we need to have the chemistry class show kids the proper way to cook meth because some are going to do it anyway. In fact, the school should cook the meth for the kids just to make sure.

You forgot smoking both Pot and Tobacco.

[napoleon]

Originally Posted by AFRetired

You forgot smoking both Pot and Tobacco.

Ok class I'll show you 1 more time how to do this...first everyone get out their rolling papers...

[hotcookie1965]

Originally Posted by napoleon

Ok class I'll show you 1 more time how to do this...first everyone get out their rolling papers...

the vo-ag ( FFA ) class was taught proper planting procedures, first, weren't they....

[RIchard Bland]

Originally Posted by yowza

Passing out condoms would work great if only we could develop latex that protects the soul and the Psyche of kids too young to be experiencing sex.

Teenage minds destroyed and souls blighted forever, all from a roll in the hay. Oh the humanity!