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20 Years Later, Sex Ed Back in NYC Schools

Starting this fall, sex ed will be mandatory, beginning as early as 6th grade

By Sarah Whitmire, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2011 11:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – Mandatory sex education has been on hiatus for almost 20 years in New York City, but it's officially back. The move comes as part of a much larger effort, announced last week by the Bloomberg administration, to better the lives of black and Latino teens, the New York Times reports. Statistics show that underage pregnancies are on the rise, particularly among those groups. Now, public school students will be required to take two semesters of sex ed, one in 6th or 7th grade, and another in 9th or 10th.

Among the lessons, which will be taught in co-ed classes: how and why to use a condom, and the right age for sexual activity. Kids as young as 11 will be part of conversations about things like puberty, pregnancy, and the risks of unprotected sex—though parents can remove their children from the lessons on birth-control methods.

Uncomfortable lectures and diagrams will return to NYC classrooms this fall. (Shutterstock)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

dann0

Aug 11, 2011 12:26 PM CDT

Wow. 2 whole semesters on sex education. I don't think that there is enough material that is appropriate for a middle school student to last that long. Should probably be taught as part of health class or biology.

tallgirl206

Aug 10, 2011 2:59 PM CDT

Sex Education is the best tool to teach kids how to discuss and interact with EACHOTHER!! What I learned in 7th grade was that the majority of my classmates had the same questions and fears that I did, by talking openly with my peers when it came time to face difficult decisions I wasn't afraid to speak my mind. The whole "parents should be teaching kids about sex" is bullshit, kids learn from their peers, school is supposed to be where you learn social interaction. Not teaching sex ed just doesn't make sense!

JOHNSPEAKS

Aug 10, 2011 2:57 PM CDT

We hope and pray that sex education in N.Y.C. will show -All- the lifestyles that are available to our children???

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20 Years Later, Sex Ed Back in NYC Schools

Starting this fall, sex ed will be mandatory, beginning as early as 6th grade

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

New York City • Michael Bloomberg • sex education • Mayor Bloomberg

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