Resources
Click on the resources below to find out more about abstinence education.
:: SEXUAL EDUCATION ENCOURAGING TEENS TO WAIT
:: LET'S TALK A LITTLE ABOUT REAL LIFE:
Biology
Psychology
Legal
Parents
Results
Sources
:: REFUSAL SKILLS: GRADY'S CRAZY WAYS TO SAY NO
:: WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (GRADY'S RULES)
SEXUAL EDUCATION ENCOURAGING TEENS TO WAIT
This might be a good idea…. but does it really work?
You be the judge!
Between 1991-2006 the youth population of Licking County increased 8.6%**
Licking County Population Statistics [image]
![Licking County Population Statistics [image]](lc_population.jpg){kind=link}
Total Population age 10-19
1991………… 18,961
1997………….20,297
2006………… 21,809 (increased 8.6%)
Female population age 10-19
1991………….9,259
1997…………10,063
2006…………10,680 (increased 8.6%)
Female Population age 10-14
1991…………..4,602
1997…………..4,966
2006…………..5,231 (increased 8.7%)
Female Population age 15-19
1991……….….4,657
1997…………..5,097
2006…………..5,449 (increased 8.5%)
In the mid-1970’s, concern for a growing pregnancy rate in teens mounted. School based sex education and free or low cost contraceptives were made available throughout Ohio, including Licking County. Despite these efforts, the Ohio teen pregnancy rate increased 31% between 1970-1990.
In 1987, RSVP/ Project REACH, a new type of sexual education encouraging and emphasizing abstinence, was formed and implemented in each school district in Licking County. Licking County statistics reflect births to teens age 10-17 are declining .**
Licking County Births to Teens Statistics [image]
![Licking County Births to Teens Statistics [image]](lc_birthstoteens.jpg){kind=link}
Births to teens ages 10-19
1991…………..227
1997…………..265
2006…………..232
Births to teens age 10-14
1991…………unavailable
1997…………....11
2006…………….4 (decreased 64%)
Births to teens age 15-17
1991……………71
1997……………91
2006……………51 (decreased 44%)
Births to teens age 18-19*
1991…………...150 (*61 married)
1997…………...163 (*37 married)
2006…………...177 (*29 married)
IN ADDITION….
Between 1997-2005 induced abortions reported to female residents of Licking County age 10-19 declined 33%.**
Reported induced abortions to teens ages 10-19
1997………………….58
2006………………….39
The Center for Disease Control estimates 12% of pregnancies for women less than 20 years of age end in miscarriage.
Estimated miscarriages to teens
1991…………………..31
2006…………………..33
Therefore:
Between 1991-2006, the estimated number of pregnancies (total of births, estimated miscarriages, and reported abortions) to Licking County teens age 10-19 has declined.
1991………………….1 in 31.60
2006………………….1 in 35.13
Something must have made a difference…..
What about Sexually Transmitted Disease?**
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are over 25 identified sexually transmitted diseases. However, only a few of them are reportable. The reported data for Licking County teens is as follows:
Licking County STD Statistics [image]
![Licking County STD Statistics [image]](lc_stds.jpg){kind=link}
Chlamydia ages 10-14
1997…..5
2005…..5
Chlamydia ages 15-19
1997….103
2005….110
Chlamydia Incidence: population
1997….1:187.9
2005….1:189.3
Gonorrhea ages 10-14
1997… 2
2005…..1
Gonorrhea ages 15-19
1997….17
2005….19
Gonorrhea Incidence: Population
1997…..1:1068
2005…..1:1098
Free love isn’t free…
The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy estimates the taxpayer cost of each teen birth for Ohio to be $4534.00. For Licking County, reduced births also translate into big taxpayer savings.^
1997 teen birth taxpayer expense $1,201,510.00.^
2006 teen birth taxpayer expense $1,051,888.00.^
Sources:
** The Ohio Department of Health Data Warehouse. www.dwhouse.odh.ohio.gov/
^The National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy^ www.teenpregnancy.org
LET'S TALK A LITTLE ABOUT REAL LIFE:
The Who, What, and Why of Abstinence, Sex, and Relationships
Most people realize teen sexual activity can lead to out of wedlock pregnancy.
Actually, 1 million teenage girls become pregnant every year. For every 1 million teenage pregnant girls, there are also 1 million teenage boys who are equally responsible for the pregnancy. Two million teenagers and their families are affected by the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences of the pregnancy.
Few people realize, women who begin sexual activity at an early age are far more likely to become pregnant and give birth out of wedlock. Nearly 40% of girls who begin having sex at 13 or 14 years of age will give birth out of wedlock. In contrast, only 9% of women who begin sexual activity at 21 or 22 will give birth out of wedlock.
In addition, single mothers are far more likely to be poor, early sexual activity is linked to higher levels of child and maternal poverty. Three-fifths of teen mothers live in poverty at the time of their child’s birth, and over four-fifths eventually live below poverty.
Most people realize teen sexual activity can result in the infection of one or more sexual transmitted diseases:
In fact, 8,000 teens every day (or 3 million teenagers a year) become infected with an STD. In 2000, there were an estimated 18.9 million new cases of STD’s among Americans. Approximately half of all new STD infections occur in teens and young adults ages 15-24 each year.
Few people realize, the younger a teen is when they begin to have sex; they are twice as likely to become infected with a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, girls who begin having sex at ages 13 or 14, will have an average of 13 non-marital sex partners in their lives. In contrast, women who begin sexual activity in their early 20’s will have, on average, 2.7 sexual partners in their lives.
The facts about STDs:
STD’s such as Herpes, Simplex Virus (HSV), Syphilis, and Cancroids are all spread by skin to skin contact of the infected area, often an area the condom does not cover.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections are common in teens. But you probably won’t know if you are infected because most people with these infections have no symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms, you can still spread these infections. If left untreated, both can cause long-term pain and problems getting pregnant when you want to.
Genital Herpes infects 1 in 6 teens and adults. Once you’re infected, you have it for life. If you don’t stay on medication, sores can keep coming back. Even if you have no symptoms, you can still spread the infection to others.
HPV aka genital warts infect 1 out of 2 sexually active teens, and about half of all sexually active college-age females get HPV. This incurable disease has been linked to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and penile cancer. Most people with HPV have no symptoms.
HIV/AIDS has killed nearly half a million Americans.
The facts about condoms: Some say condoms make sex “safe”. But how well do condoms work? Can you still get a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? Can you still get pregnant? You bet!
If you use condoms “consistently” every time you have vaginal sex, you can cut your chance of getting chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and HPV in half. If you use condoms “consistently” every time you have vaginal sex, you can cut your chance of getting HIV by 85%.
What is meant by “consistent” condom use? Consistent condom use means using a condom 100% of the time during every sex act. Few individuals actually manage to use condoms consistently and correctly for any length of time. Typical condom use is inconsistent. Studies have shown that even in couples in which one partner is known to be infected with HIV, consistent use was attained by only 45% of the participants.
How do teens fare? A study conducted over a period of six months found that “always” condom use was reported by females only 13% of the time. In another study, just 50% of females reported consistent condom use. Generally, adolescent males report slightly more condom use than females.
The risk reduction a condom offers is just that - risk reduction. It is not risk elimination. Encouraging your son or daughter to be abstinent until marriage is the only risk eliminator.
Let’s Talk a Little Psychology:
Most people know every teenager has a brain. Unfortunately, most have no idea it is still under construction.
Few people realize, the region of the brain that inhibits risky behavior is not fully formed until age 25. In the late 1990’s, Dr. Jay Giedd, of the National Institute of Mental Health, released the results of a ten year long study of the teen brain. The study found the first areas of the brain to mature (the extreme front and back of the brain) are those with the most basic functions such as processing senses and movement. Areas involved in spatial orientation and language follow. The prefrontal cortex does not fully mature until age 25. This area of the brain is responsible for governing judgment, the ability to anticipate consequences, decision-making, and impulse control.
Therefore, it seems highly unlikely a teen lacking judgment, the ability to anticipate consequences, and with little or no impulse control will use any form of contraceptive consistently and correctly each and every time they initiate a sexual activity. However, the good news is the same study shows parents really can influence their child’s brain development through modeling or teaching by example. Teenagers can learn just by seeing how parents treat not only their spouse, but others as well. Therefore, a parent who models self-control and encourages self-control is actually helping to teach self-control.
Most adults realize that sexual activity will result in some mental or emotional consequences.
Few people realize, teen relationships are inherently transitory and unstable. 61% of teens end their sexual relationships within 3 months. 80% of teens end their sexual relationships within 6 months.
Fewer people realize, 67% of teens who have had sex regret it and say they wished they had waited until they were older. For teen girls, the statistic is even higher; 77% of teen girls regret having had sex, and wish they had waited until they were older.
Boys who are sexually active are twice as likely to suffer from depression as teen boys who are not sexually active. Teen boys who are sexually active are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than teen boys who are not sexually active. Teen girls who are sexually active are three times more likely to suffer from depression and three times more likely to attempt suicide than teen girls who are not sexually active.
Still fewer people realize, early sexual activity undermines the ability of girls to form a stable marriage as adults. When compared to women who began sexual activity in their early 20’s, girls who initiated sexual activity at ages 13 or 14 were less than half as likely to be in a stable marriage in their 30’s. Beginning sexual activity at an older age however, is linked to higher levels of personal happiness in adult years.
Even fewer people realize, teens who abstain from sexual activity did dramatically better academically when compared to sexually active teens from identical socio-economic backgrounds. Using data from the most recently released National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data researchers concluded “Teens who abstain will be subject to less emotional turmoil and fewer psychological distractions; this will enable them to better focus on schoolwork”.
Most people realize there has always been “sex education”.
Few people realize the law in the State of Ohio.
March 18, 1999, The Ohio General Assembly unanimously passed The Ohio Abstinence Education Law requiring that “course material and instruction in venereal disease do all of the following”:
1. Stress that students should abstain from sexual activity until after marriage;
2. Teach the potential physical, psychological, emotional, and social side effects of participating in sexual activity outside of marriage;
3. Teach that conceiving a child out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child’s parents, and society;
4. Stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious possible hazards of sexual activity;
5. Advise students of the laws pertaining to the financial responsibility of parents to children born in and out of wedlock.
6. Advise students of the circumstances under which it is criminal to have sexual contact with a person under the age of 16 pursuant to section 290704.04 of the Ohio Revised Code**
In December 1999, the Ohio State Board of Education unanimously implemented rule 3301-80-01, implementing the provisions of the legislature for all course material and instruction in venereal disease education courses:
1. Sexual abstinence until after marriage;
2. Teach the potential physical, psychological, emotional, and social side effects of pre-marital sexual activity;
3. Teach the potential harmful consequences to the teen, the child, and society conceiving a child outside of marriage;
4. Stress the serious hazards of sexual transmitted diseases that can accompany sexual activity;
5. Discuss the laws relating to financial responsibility of the parents to children, both in and out of wedlock;
6. Discuss the laws relating to criminal penalties for sexual contact with individuals less than 16 years of age;
These standards would apply to any model curriculum developed by the Ohio Department of Education.
**No person who is 18 years old or older can have sex with any person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old. If the person is 4 or more years older than the other person, this is a felony 4 requiring a prison term of 6 to 18 months. If the person is 10 or more years older than the other person, this is a felony 3, requiring a prison term of 1 to 5 years. If there is less than four years between the two, it is a Misdemeanor 1.
Most people realize parents want only the best for their children.
Few people realize, a study conducted by Zogby International in December 2003 revealed the following facts: 79% of the parents surveyed want young people to be taught that sex should be reserved for marriage or for an adult relationship leading to marriage. Another 12% of the parents felt teens should be taught to delay sexual activity “until they at least finish high school”.
Fewer people realize, a survey conducted in Licking County in 2005 of 1,005 parents revealed 94% believed it was important their child receive abstinence focused sexuality education.
Still fewer people realize, a survey published by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy in 2007 revealed most teens surveyed reported their parents influence their decisions about sex more strongly than friends and other sources.
88% of the teens surveyed reported it would be easier for them to postpone sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they have more open honest conversations about these topics with their parents.
In Licking County, 24.6% of the students surveyed report having one conversation with their parents about sexual relationships. However, the real good news is 51.9% of the teens surveyed report having a few conversations or more than a few conversations about sexual relationships with their parents.
Nationally
The number of students who reported having sexual intercourse has dropped from 54.1% in 1991 to 46.7% in 2003.
Teen births have declined from 61.8 per 1,000 in 1991 to 41.2 per 1,000 in 2004.
Teen abortions have continued to decline steadily from 40.3 per 1,000 in 1990, to 24 per 1,000 in the year 2000, and to 17.1 per 1,000 in 2004.
State Wide
Teen births have been reduced from a high of 21,967 in 1992 to 16,107 in 2006 – a reduction of 27%.
Teen abortions have declined from 6,582 in 1996 to 6,195 in 2006.
County Wide
Teen pregnancies in Licking County have been reduced from 1 in 31.6 in 1991 to 1 in 35.36 births in 2005.
Sources:
Albert, B. (20004, December 16). Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex. Retrieved from http://www.teenpregnancy.org/.Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2006, March). {ASPE Brief}.
Halfors, D., Wallor, M., Baurer, D., Ford, C., & Halpern, C. (2005, June 25). Which Comes First in Adolescence-Sex, Drugs or Depression? American Journal of Preventative Medicine.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2001). Teenage Brain: Work in Progress. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/teenbrain.cfm.
Ohio Department of Education. Licking County Census Report {Data file}. Available from the Ohio Department of Education Website, http://www.ode.state.oh.us.
Ohio Department of Health. (2006, May). Supplementary Resources Related to Condoms Appendix C {Data file}. Available from the Ohio Department of Health Website, http://www.dwhouse.odh.ohio.gov/datawarehousev2.htm.
Ohio Department of Health. Teen Birth Statistics {Data file}. Available from the Ohio Department of Health Website, http://www.dwhouse.odh.ohio.gov/datawarehousev2.htm.
Rector, R., John, K. (2005, February). Abstinence; facts and figures. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org.
Rector, R., John, K. (2005, October 27). Teen Sexual Abstinence and Academic Achievement. Retrieved from http://wwww.heritage.org.
Roman, T. (1999, March). The White Paper House Bill 189 Ohio Abstinence Education Law.
Severance, G. (2004-2005). Abstinence Education Program Final Report. {Report prepared for RSVP and Project REACH, July 1, 2005}.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health and Human Services. (2000, June 12-13). Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease. (pgs. i-27).
What? Sex Can be a Crime? (2005, October). {Brochure}. Seeds, M., Grady, M.: Authors.
Zogby, (2003, December). Retrieved from http://www.whatparentsthink.com.
The Medical Institute. Retrieved from http://www.medinstitute.org.
Buchacz K, van der Straten A, Saul J, Shiboski SC, Gomez CA, Padian N. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical correlates of inconsistent condom use in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples. J Acquire Immune Defic Syndr. 2001:289-297.
Bunnell RE, Dahlberg L, Rolfs R, et al. High prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections in urban adolescent females despite moderate risk behaviors. J Infect Dis. 1999:180(5):1624-1631.
Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, Lang D, Harrington KF. Value of consistent condom use: a study of sexually transmitted infection prevention among African American adolescent females. AM J Public Health. 2003:93(6):901-902.
Sonenstein F, Ku L, Lindberg L, Turner C, Pleck J. Changes in sexual behavior and condom use among teenaged males: 1988 to 1995. AM J Public Health. 1998:88(6):956-959.
REFUSAL SKILLS: GRADY’S CRAZY WAYS TO SAY NO1. HEAR THAT? They’ll think your parents are home. It’s a good cool off time.
2. GO TO THE BATHROOM. Never leave home without refried beans in your stomach!
3. GO FOR THE SPILL. Whatever you’ve been eating, knock it over; you’ll stop and clean it up and realize you’re with a person, not a body part.
4. HE UNDERWEAR LINE INTRUDER. Girls, never leave home without a maxi pad in your panties. Boys, tell them you’ve got a bad case of ringworm from the weight room.
5. MOAN. Not because you’re “turned on”; try to convince them you don’t feel good. Burp, pass gas – if all else fails, vomit on their lap!
6. REMEMBER THE BUGS.
Sexual Activity: (R.C.2907.01 (C))
This term refers to sexual conduct or sexual contact or both.Sexual Conduct: (R.C.2907.01 (A))
Vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. Including penetration with the slightest touch to these areas with any other body part or object.Try this contact and your next contact will be with law enforcement!
Sexual Contact: (R.C.2907.01 (B))
Any touching of an erogenous zone of another person. Including, but not limited to: the thigh, genitals (privates), buttock, pubic region, or female breast. This could also be stretched to include the face, neck, or other areas that are touched or kissed.Think it doesn’t matter how old they are? Think again!
Unlawful Sexual Conduct: (R.C.2907.04 A))
No person who is 18 years old or older can have sex with any person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old. If the person is four or more years older than the other person, this is a Felony 4, requiring a prison term of 6 to 18 months. If the person is 10 or more years older than the other person, this is a Felony 3, requiring a prison term of 1 to 5 years. If there is less than four years between the two, it is a Misdemeanor 1.“The time of your life” could cost you 10 years to life in prison.
Rape: (R.C.2907.02)
Sexual conduct with any person who is 12 years old or younger. (Even if that person consented to the conduct, the law stands and is enforced!). It is also sexual conduct that is forced* upon a person, or performed when that person is too drunk to resist the sexual conduct. This is a Felony 1, maximum prison terms are 10 years to life in prison.*Force: refers to any violence, compulsion, or constraint physically exerted by any means upon a person or thing. This can include threats of force.
“It sure felt fine”… but you’ll serve time!
Gross Sexual Imposition: (R.C.2907.05 (A))
Sexual contact with a victim who is 12 years old or younger, which is a Felony 3 with a prison term of 1 to 5 years. Also includes sexual contact with a victim too intoxicated to resist, which is a Felony 4 with a prison term of 6 to 18 months.Sexual Imposition: (R.C. 2907.06 (A))
No person shall have sexual contact with another if:
1) The offender knows the contact is offensive to the other person.
2) The offender knows the other person is substantially impaired.
3) The other person is 13, 14, or 15 years of age and the offender is 18 years or older.This battery only starts legal proceedings!
Sexual Battery: (R.C. 2907.03 (A))
Sexual conduct by any of the following:
1) The offender knowingly coerces the other person to submit.
2) The offender knows the other person’s ability to understand the conduct is impaired.
3) The offender is the person’s natural or adoptive parent, step-parent, guardian, or custodian. The offender could also be a teacher, administrator, coach, or other person of authority employed or serving in a school.Any way you ask... It’s a Felony!
Importuning: (R.C. 2907.07 (A))
No person shall ask a person who is less than 13 years of age to engage in sexual activity. No person 18 years of age or older shall ask a person 13, 14, or 15 years of age to engage in sexual activity. The asking can occur: In person, in writing, on the phone, or on the internet.This is not a funny picture!
Illegal use of a Minor in nudity-oriented material or performance: (R.C. 2907.323)
No child under the age of 18 may have their picture taken (by camera, phone, web-cam, videotape, or any other means) under any circumstances when a private area is exposed. Taking, possessing, or distributing those pictures is a Felony.Every year approximately 100 individuals (both juvenile and adult) in Licking County are prosecuted for: “Just messin’ around.”
Some thought it was a joke,
Some thought it was a thrill,
Some thought it was love.
Most said: “I just didn’t know.” They went to jail anyway.
Avoid the pain… just abstain.
WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (GRADY'S RULES)
How can you tell if you're in love enough to get married?1. Imagine the person you think you’re in love with horribly disfigured. Burnt, missing a nose, or scarred. Would you still love them?
2. Imagine the person you think you’re in love with, bald. Would you still love them?
3. Imagine that person you think you’re in love with, having no teeth. Imagine kissing them, imagine the family photo. Are you still in love?
4. Imagine the person you think you’re in love with 300 pounds overweight. Would you still love them?
5. Imagine the person you think you’re in love with, looking real fine. However, mentally something has gone wrong. They’ve developed a mental illness. Perhaps they are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or they’ve become depressed and cry for days refusing to leave the house. Mental illness is treatable, but nothing that’s going to be fixed overnight. Do you love them enough to stay?
6. Imagine the person you think you’re in love with, unable to have sex with you – ever! Are you still in love?
If the answer to all six questions is yes, you’re in love. If your partner answers all six yes, you’ve got the greatest gift! AND, if the answer to #6 is yes, then I guess sex can wait, can’t it?
You see, real love takes the fat with the skinny, the bald with the hairy, the just brushed my teeth breath with the I forgot this morning breath.
Most importantly, it takes the times you can enjoy each other in every way, with the times one of you is sick and dying, and you have to love that person enough to change their diaper, because they can’t go to the bathroom any other way.