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I'm in my 30s. I never had any meaningful sex education in any of my public education. When I was in elementary school, I was confused and misinformed by the rumors running around my friends and the innuendos I encountered in the media/pop culture. I went to the public library and read a book about sexual development, sex, and reproduction. I was in shock, embarrassed, but much better informed because of it. The book did not cover any type of contraception, information about stds, safe sex, etc. I unfortunately did not get any of this information at any point in my education, only misinformation. I learned all of this information from reading through the information included on the side of condom boxes and pamphlets from Planned Parenthood when I was in college. Unfortunately, most young people will not be so scientific in their approach to educating themselves about making "good" and safe choices. Adults like to shield themselves from the loss of innocence of the children in society but the appropriate approach to this is not silence and avoidance.

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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