Sexuality among adolescents is one of the most controversial subjects of our time. In the United States alone, rates of teen pregnancy and STDs have become a major problem over the years. Despite this surge in sexual cases, sex education is not taught in some schools, and those that are are extremely limited. Parents, government, organizations and school boards are not teaching the appropriate curriculum necessary for students to fully understand sexual behavior. This essay will explain the need for proper sex education in our schools. Sex education has been a hot topic for years. The topic began in 1912 when the National Education Association wanted teachers to begin teaching classes on sex education curricula. (Pardini, Priscilla) In 1940, the United States Public Health Service called sex education an "urgent need" and strongly advocated it in schools. (Pardini, Priscilla) Although sex education had support from health officials and educators, there were many opponents. (Pardini, Priscilla) Conservatives and health advisors have fought over the benefits of sex education and how it should be taught in schools. (Pardini, Priscilla) The late 1960s. In the early 1980s, organized opposition to sex education emerged. (Pardini, Priscilla) These opponents aimed to criticize any form of sex education taught in schools. (Pardini, Priscilla) “Sex education programs have been described by the Christian Crusade and other conservative groups as “smut” and “raw sex.” Pardini, Priscilla) Some "far-right" leaders have argued that sex education leads to increased sexual activity among adolescents. (Pardini, Priscilla) However, these attempts to derail sex education programs have had little success. (Pardini, Priscilla) Sex education programs continued. to succeed in schools. (P...... middle of paper ......s appeared false or misleading. Sex education teaches teens about sex, don't try to demonize it like abstinence programs do. If sex education was properly taught in all schools, rates of teenage pregnancy and STDs would decrease significantly. Work CitedMcKeon, Brigid “Effective Sex Education” www.Advocatesforyouth.org. January 30, 2014. Parini, Priscilla. “The History of Sex Education.” Rethinking Schools. Internet. February 15, 2014. Alford, Sue. point-by-point comparison.” www.Advocatesforyouth.org. 2008. Internet. February 17, 2014. “11 Facts About Sex Education in the United States” www.Dosomething.org. Internet February 17., 2014.