I am writing in support of the Pregnancy Care Centre (PCC) for their WAIT! Let’s Talk Sex program being taught in junior and senior high schools throughout Alberta. The PCC is one of several organizations invited into schools to assist teachers in fulfilling the requirements of the Alberta Sexuality Education Curriculum. The WAIT! Let’s Talk Sex program gives students information and tools regarding healthy relationships and decision making. This program empowers students to think about decisions regarding sexual activity. It provides information about the risks of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the benefits of waiting to be sexually active. As a parent and a former public health nurse, who taught sexuality education in schools, I know the importance of teaching abstinence as a choice.
The youth culture is increasingly saturated with influences to be sexually active. The risks to our children are compounded with the fact that some STI rates are rising including those that are resistant to antibiotics. There probably aren’t many parents who want their teenagers having sex. Most parents believe that it is better for their children to wait or not be sexually active. However, teens are more sexually active than we think and many suffer hurt and confusion because of it. Many of us know someone with long term emotional, physical, and psychological scars from engaging in sex, contracting an STI, or an unplanned pregnancy. While it is valuable to teach teenagers safer sex practices, a great benefit is also achieved by teaching and equipping them with information and tools to make the choice to wait.
The WAIT! Let’s Talk Sex program may be the one time your teenager daughter or son and their peers; are taught and supported, in making a decision to wait to be sexually active. If you, as a parent in St. Albert or Sturgeon County are in support of the WAIT! Let’s talk Sex Education program, or you are a student who has heard this presentation and benefitted by it; I encourage you to write to your school boards in support of this program. Let’s not stick our heads in the sand. The choice to wait to be sexually active is a high priority in the lives of our children’s physical and emotional health. Don’t let this slip by in your busy day. Protect your children – write to your principals, school boards, your MLAs, and the education minister in support of this program.
Trish Spiwek, Sturgeon County
