Will a Commitment to Remain Abstinent Prevent Teen Sex?

According to a federal survey the answer is no!  The study involved following students that were enrolled in programs funded by Title V, Section 510 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

The objective of these programs are to provide students at the middle school and high school level with a mandatory curriculum that teaches students the value of abstinence.   The study argues that taking the pledge to remain abstinent is ineffective and has no impact on whether or not a student actually remains a virgin until marriage.

Are we really dealing with a case of "pledging to remain abstinent" doesn't work or is it more a reality of students failing at keeping their commitment?

Taking a Closer Look at the Study

Study Flaw #1 - Each program used for this study was conducted outside the home, with the majority of them being taught in the public school, not the parents!  As hard as our schools may try to incorporate the role of parents into their curriculum, it is in vain.  If you take the same vairiables and study students who were taught the value of abstinence in the home, by their parents they have a much higher success rate.

Study Flaw #2 - This study assumes that teaching students about moral standards in their relationships begin at the high school level, neglecting the need for students to begin understanding this concept at a much younger age.

Study Flaw #3 - This study only takes into consideration the immediate impact on the students that are enrolled.  If neglects the long term impact on the participating students and how they teach their own children about moral relationships.

Study Flaw #4 - The programs being studied do not take into consideration the level of parental involvement during, and even before the student begins this curriculum.  Again, this is a foundation set by the parents and without their support or input the effectiveness will dramatically drop.

Why Do State Funded Programs have Such a Low Success Rate?

The programs themselves offer an excellent curriculum to teach teens about healthy relationships and waiting.  Their flaw lies simply with who is doing the teaching and how it equips our teens to succeed!

I read an interesting article titled, Abstinence Education where the author noted very real reasons why our teens so readily fail at keeping this commitment.  My favorite was her comparison to how diet programs help dieters succeed.

These programs give our teens the information, similar to what a new dieter would receive when they first walk into a Weight Watchers facility.  Then our teens receive credit for taking the course and some pamphlets to take home, Weight Watchers sits down with the new dieter and sets goals, evaluates "why" that individual person is taking this step, and makes a plan for success.

When I decided to quit smoking I surrounded myself with notes on the walls, mirrors, cabinets and doors.  Each note served a purpose to remind me of the negative effects of smoking, the health benefits to quit, my reasons for stopping and motivational words.  I succeeded with my goal and am smoke free 2 years.

The point is, unless we equip our teens with the means to succeed, then fewer of them will.   Temptation on the school campus is great and abstinence goes against the grain.  Shouldn't your teen have everything they need to ensure success?

Final Thoughts

Before you consider the recent buzz on why "committing to abstinence" doesn't work, consider what will make it work; parental directed education on the topic, solid support at home, setting the foundation early in your child's life and equipping them with a plan they can follow!

Do you have your own story to tell?  What have you done to help your teen succeed?  We would love to hear your story.  Visit the Parent Park and post your topic under teen dating!