5 Misconceptions about Abstinence Education

From the Desk of . . . Lisa Fricke, Program Director, SRAS

As the fall season comes rolling in, Live Free is busy filling our schedule with Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE), otherwise known as Abstinence Education, in upstate middle and high schools. This provides the opportunity for many conversations around SRAE. Meeting with school administrators considering implementing our program in their school for the first time or answering questions from a parent whose child recently brought home a permission slip to participate in our program is a normal part of our week. From these conversations, we at Live Free have come to understand some common misconceptions about what we do and what we teach.

Misconception #1: SRAE is fear or shame-based. Perhaps thinking back to their own experience as an adolescence, many adults who aren’t familiar with our program may assume it is fear or shame based. The truth is that our program provides medically accurate information that can inform a student to make the healthy choice to abstain from risky behaviors such as sexual activity or drug and alcohol use. Students in our program learn about real-life consequences of teen sexual behavior such as emotional health risks, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our message is that abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the healthiest choice, and if they have already begun engaging in sexual activity, one can still make the healthiest choice going forward by choosing to abstain.

Misconception #2: SRAE is stigmatizing.

Well meaning individuals may be concerned that our message of waiting for marriage for sexual activity alienates students from single parent homes, or those that identify as a sexual minority, or those who do not consider marriage a goal. The truth is that ALL students regardless of these circumstances deserve to know the truth – that teen sexual activity comes with consequences and risk regardless of background. Sexual activity within a monogamous, committed, adult, and long-term relationship, such as a marriage, is the safest and healthiest choice.

Misconception #3: SRAE doesn’t work.

Many argue that teens are going to engage in sex regardless of what they are told. The truth is that our program has been proven to be effective in 25 peer-reviewed individual studies. SRAE is backed up by evidence that shows that SRA program participants are more likely to delay sexual activity, discontinue sexual activity if it has already started, choose to have fewer overall sexual partners, and are no less likely to use protection if they do engage in sex. SRA students are also more likely to show academic improvement and avoid other risky behavior such as using drugs or alcohol when compared to students who do not take part in an SRA program.

Misconception #4: SRAE is a religious message. SRAE is not a religious message. Whether or not the SRAE instructor is a religious person does not undermine the fact that SRAE is an evidence based and medically accurate approach.

Misconception #5: SRAE is not relevant to LBGTQ individuals. SRA is an inclusive message. The fact that avoiding sexual activity is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and contracting STIs applies to all individuals. The information and skills taught in SRAE should be made available to students of all walks of life.

Source: https://weascend.org/resource/five-common-attacks-against-sexual-risk-avoidance/