Ohio implements comprehensive sex education program.

Sex education has always been a contentious issue in the United States, and Ohio is no exception to this trend. While the government mandates the teaching of sex education in Ohio schools, the material covered is often incomplete or inaccurate, which can potentially harm students who do not receive proper guidance. This article will provide an overview of sex education guidelines in Ohio and how teachers strive to provide comprehensive sex education in spite of these limitations.

Buhay, an employee at the Ohio U Women’s Center believes that inclusive language is crucial in sex education, as it can “make or break someone’s concept of themselves or other people.” She emphasizes that inclusive language is necessary not just in relation to gender and sex, but also for other identities that may be marginalized in mainstream conversations.

While Ohio provides guidelines on what students should learn about sex and relationships, the Athens City School District has implemented a comprehensive curriculum for students starting from fourth grade. The school nurse, Wales, takes great care to ensure that her teaching materials are evidence-informed and reflect the needs of her students.

Her teaching on sexuality and relationships evolves based on her interactions with students and updates from the National Sex Ed Conference, which she regularly attends.

While contraception is widely available and covered by insurance plans, lack of awareness often prevents many Americans from accessing these services. Comprehensive sex education can play a key role in reducing these knowledge gaps.

Studies indicate that men who are sexually active tend to rely exclusively on condoms, while women/individuals with vaginas tend to use alternative methods such as birth control pills, vaginal contraceptive rings, IUDs or implants. Additionally, vasectomies, which are commonly seen as a permanent form of birth control, actually have a reversal rate of around 90%.

Ohio legislation allows parents to opt their children out of sex education, which may lead to knowledge gaps in their sexual health. As licensed professional counselor Bria Brown notes, a lack of sex education is akin to not receiving knowledge on healthy eating, a reality that can cause lifelong consequences.

However, educators in Athens City Schools strive to remedy these limitations by introducing conversations on sex, consent and healthy communication starting in middle school. Wales emphasizes that her teaching aims to help students make sexual decisions based on healthy values and avoid unhealthy practices.