Sex education has long been attacked in many states, including Oklahoma. 

Some argue that the topics discussed in sex education curricula are extremely sensitive and should only be addressed with a parent. In the past, critics claimed that sex education promoted sexual activity amongst students and encouraged risky behavior. However, research shows the opposite. In areas with comprehensive sex education, teen pregnancy rates dropped by an average of 3%. 

Other critical indicators associated with teen sexual health also improved when exposed to sex education: lower rates of sexual activity, risk behaviors like unprotected sex, and STIs. Research further shows that inaccurate sex ed doesn’t reduce these outcomes but instead increases psychological harm by introducing shaming views. 

Demonstrations of how “used” a person is if they have multiple partners over time (tape, chewing gum, etc.) and undertones that homosexuals are to blame for HIV and AIDS are still prevalent in sex education; the latter insinuation is mandated in Oklahoma’s abstinence-based HIV/AIDS education. 

Sex education is often conceptualized as only educating students about reproduction, puberty, and sexual health. However, sex education curricula have evolved to address interpersonal relationships (such as healthy romantic relationships and indications of trafficking) and consent. 

Sex education experts have pointed out that if students do not receive comprehensive education, many turn to inadequate or harmful sources to fill in their knowledge gaps.