Sexuality education: a more realistic view of its effects

Sexuality education has been proffered as a partial solution to a variety of adolescent sexual problems. Research demonstrates that programs increase knowledge, but have little direct impact on values and attitudes, actual sexual behavior, use of birth control, and teen-age pregnancy. This article compares the effects of sexuality education programs with the results of other educational programs and discusses why sex education programs may increase knowledge, but may not effectively change behavior. Finally, good reasons to offer sexuality education are discussed.