Sexual Abstinence Education Programs

Programs targeting school-age children that are designed to delay the onset of sexual activity until the individual is married and thus reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancy, STD transmission, and HIV/AIDS. Most programs address the benefits of sexual abstinence and promote the concepts that abstinence until marriage and mutual monogamous relationships during marriage are expected standards, that contrary behavior is likely to have harmful physical and psychological effects, that bearing children out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for all, that abstinence is the only certain way to avoid pregnancy and related health problems, and that alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability to sexual advances. Abstinence education programs are offered by a variety of organizations including the schools, religious groups and agencies that serve youth; vary in format, some providing educational classes, others individual sessions; and may include role play components or other devices which help children learn and practice ways to reject sexual overtures.