Reality+ Love+ Dating+ Relationships+ Reality Dating Shows & Sex Education: Guest Blogger Nayla Lee Asks, “What Is TV Teaching?”

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Reality+ Love+ Dating+ Relationships+ Reality Dating Shows & Sex Education: Guest Blogger Nayla Lee Asks, “What Is TV Teaching?”

Guest blogger Nayla Lee writes:

“Everyone knows that The Bachelor’s main goal is to portray healthy relationships and positive sexuality!

“Just kidding!


“The evolution of shows like The Bachelor, which has been airing for nearly two decades, reflects what producers and editors believe is an acceptable depiction of love, intimacy and relationships, and has the capacity to influence what viewers see as mainstream or normative. This cyclical relationship, through which the show is shaped by pop culture and, in turn, shapes it, makes it a rich topic for analysis. From the perspective of More Than Sex Ed’s sexuality and relationship programming, I am excited to share a very condensed version of my main takeaways from consuming the Bachelor franchise and related media.”

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Abstinence-Only Education is Unethical →

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According to NPR, Abstinence-only sex education is unethical and ineffective in reducing rates of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.   Laura Lindberg of Guttmacher Institute notes "that abstinence-only education programs don't succeed in reducing rates of teen pregnancies or STDs."  In fact, Lindberg states that the approach "have little demonstrated efficacy in helping adolescents to delay intercourse".

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Puberty: It's Perfectly Normal and Other Book Recommendations

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One of our core values here at More Than Sex-ed is that "knowledge is power and kids have the right to have their questions answered."

For parents who are having trouble starting the dialogue on this topic, here are some book recommendations that make it easier to begin that conversation.  

"It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris is a critically acclaimed book that "offers young people the real information they need to make responsible decisions that can help them stay healthy as they approach and experience puberty and adolescence." 

Another great title is "Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?" by Julie Metzger, RN, MN, and Robert Lehman, MD . This flip book offers "Straightforward, age-appropriate answers to REAL questions from preteens." 

Lastly, "Sex is a Funny Word" by Corey Silverberg has been described by Buzzfeed as "A Total Game-Changer" and "nothing short of revolutionary."  The text discusses not only puberty but consent, gender identity and body norms.   

Look for these books at your local bookstore or online vendor!  Tune in next week for more book recommendations on the topic of Puberty. 

NPR : In Texas, Abstinence-Only Programs May Contribute To Teen Pregnancies

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"Research shows teens everywhere are having sex, with about half of high school students saying they've had sexual intercourse. Gwen Daverth, CEO of the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, says the high numbers in Texas reflect policy, not promiscuity. "

A majority of high schools in Texas provide abstinence only sex education or "doesn't offer sexual education at all".  The results from Texas policy translate into some of the highest teen pregnancy rates in America.  Although teen birth rates are declining across the country, states that favor abstinence as the main form of sexual education are seeing a slower decline.  This NPR program gives context on the issue through Jessica Chester's experience.