Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The guidance document "Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content" was developed in conjunction with stakeholders in order to comply with SB656 (2022).
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8/2/22  1:08 pm
Commenter: Alyssa Batchelor

Opposition to SB 656
 

Whether parents and government officials want to acknowledge it or not, the fact of the matter remains that during puberty and teenage years, kids are starting to consider and explore their own sexuality, both mentally and emotionally, and in some cases, physically. 

Before you ever got the thought in your head as a parent to discuss sexuality with your kids, your kids have already discussed it with their friends. And they've probably spent time googling it or reading about it online. While it may be gross, uncomfortable, and awkward for parents to address it, or kids who are experiencing it, it is a natural part of life that we all go through.

One thing that all parents know is that as teenagers, we make mistakes, and as a parent, we hope to shield our children from making those same mistakes and making better choices than we did. By giving them knowledge, that we may inspire them to make better decisions. 

What better and more important place to learn factual information about sexuality and practicing safe sex than in a health class? What better way to develop empathy for people who's sexuality is different from their's than by reading a book about someone else's experience? 

It has been proven that when you give kids information instead of trying to "protect" them from whatever adults fear, they make better decisions. They wait longer to engage in sexual activity, they engage in safe practices when they do, and teen pregnancies and rates of abortion decrease. 

Trust that armed with information, your kids will make smart decisions. 

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