If dupe, close it: TX abstinence-only program fails according to study

[Selatius]

Texas Teens Increased Sex After Abstinence Program



HOUSTON (Reuters) - Abstinence-only sex education programs, a major plank in President Bush (news - web sites)'s education plan, have had no impact on teenagers' behavior in his home state of Texas, according to a new study.

Despite taking courses emphasizing abstinence-only themes, teenagers in 29 high schools became increasingly sexually active, mirroring the overall state trends, according to the study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University.

"We didn't see any strong indications that these programs were having an impact in the direction desired," said Dr. Buzz Pruitt, who directed the study.

The study was delivered to the Texas Department of State Health Services, which commissioned it.

The federal government is expected to spend about $130 million to fund programs advocating abstinence in 2005, despite a lack of evidence that they work, Pruitt said.

Full article found here.

What does reason then dictate here? Doing the same thing over again and expecting different results? Or a new approach? Or will certain people continue to allow themselves to be blinded?

[xultar]

1. Isn't this a media blast? n/t

[TaleWgnDg]

2. dup, here, in DU General Discussion Politics . . .

.

dup, here, in DU General Discussion Politics . . . (good DU discussion here, too)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1550716

but dunno about in Editorial forum . . .

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[IndyOp]

3. The main problem is that our society is so oversexed that no one believes

what really works to reduce teen sex & pregnancy: Most teenage pregnancies get started Monday-Friday afternoon between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. After school programs that promote personal growth and raise self-esteem reduce teen pregnancies. Guaranteed college scholarships for all students who make good grades work, too.

My favorite: Since Germany has outlawed physical punishment of children school drop-out rates and teen pregnancy rates have dropped. Reducing authoritarianism means there is less rebellion among teens (?).

:eyes: