Should sex education be taught in NH schools? (5/9/2015 - 168 citizens, 380 responses)

By Rob Levey

Recently, the NH Senate passed HB 332, which will require schools to give parents advance notice if any course material will deal with human sex or sexuality. The bill speaks to the larger issue as to whether sex education should be taught in schools, which is why the Live Free or Die Alliance (LFDA) asked Facebook members their opinion on the question “Should sex ed be taught in NH schools?” on May 9.

A total of 84% of respondents answered the question either directly or with a concurrence, and of these a 74% majority supported teaching sex education in schools, with 26% against. The remaining 16% of respondents opted to discuss the subject in broader terms. In sum, 168 citizens participated in the discussion with a total of 380 responses.

Out of respondents who expressed support for sex education in schools, many argued for its practicality. “It’s a basic part of being a human and every school should be teaching it,” remarked one respondent. Many respondents noted that if sex education is not taught in schools,  kids might instead turn to their friends and social media for answers. One woman added, “There are way too many parents who do not provide any sex education at all.”

Many of those opposed countered that sex and sexuality were topics that had no place in a school environment. “It is the schools’ job to educate as far as math, English, science, history,” noted one respondent. “It is my job to teach my children the rest.” The notion that sex education was a parent’s responsibility was further echoed by other respondents, with one woman adding that “the school needs to stay out of our personal lives.”

Of those who opted not to give a yes or no response, some asked for data to support the efficacy of sex education in reducing teen pregnancies, while others questioned the role of the government in such matters. Remarked one respondent, “If parents stopped relinquishing their personal responsibilities to the government, this would not be a question.”

The nonprofit, nonpartisan LFDA takes no position on this or any issue. This report is presented as a summary of citizen testimony. As New Hampshire’s Virtual Town Hall, the LFDA community, numbering more than 65,000, provides objective information on state issues, promotes the civil exchange of opinions, and communicates views to elected officials. To learn more about this issue or the LFDA, visit www.lfda.org.

Rob Levey is an editor with the Live Free or Die Alliance.

Live Free or Die Alliance

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