Schools and communities in the past have shared the goal of teaching values and character development to generations of school children. Character traits that have been upheld as the norm for children and adolescents include responsibility, courage, fairness, honesty, respect and self-control. Educators agreed that teaching these values would improve the human condition, add deeper meaning to life and affirm the dignity of all individuals.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s we experienced a significant cultural upheaval referred to as the “sexual revolution”. This led to a culture that questioned, and in some cases, abandoned the values that society had been promoting for generations. We became a society promoting sex on demand with little thought to the consequences of that behavior – both physically and emotionally. The consequences experienced from this dramatic shift in values has been profoundly negative, both individually and socially. We have experienced an escalation in rates of divorce, pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). STD’s have reached epidemic proportions – often with permanent or even fatal consequences.

In the face of these developments, organizations across the country have responded with a variety of “risk reduction” messages targeted at teenagers and young adults. These programs have focused on specific ways to prevent pregnancy and STD’s rather than addressing the fundamental issues that got them sexually active in the first place. These messages have certainly put a band-aid on the problem but have not addressed the root issues.

This program is designed to promote a “risk elimination” message. The concept of risk elimination is not a new one. Other programs that promote this message typically deal with drug and alcohol use, smoking cessation, domestic violence, etc. These programs promote an elimination of the high- risk behaviors that accompany these conditions. Abstaining from all high-risk behaviors – including sexual activity – protect the person, both physically and emotionally.

Let’s face it – young people are not using contraceptives consistently to protect themselves from pregnancy or STD’s. Even if they did, research shows that contraceptives do not protect them from many of the STD’s that are contracted by genital “area to area” contact. Logically, for example, it doesn’t make sense to tell them to be sexually responsible by using condoms when they risk experiencing condom failure and subsequent pregnancy. Additionally, condoms are useless in preventing STD’s contracted through area to area contact – so, does it make sense to promote confidence in their overall effectiveness? Rather, doesn’t it make more sense to discuss the psychological reasons that contributed to a decision to become sexually active, and help them learn the skills needed to avoid such risky behavior?

Right now many teens feel a void in their lives and sadly believe that a sexual relationship will fill that void. What would be possible if teens knew that they had the power to create fulfilling relationships without having sex? The character cornerstones of fully satisfying relationships are integrity, honesty, self-control and respect. What would be possible if teens filled the void by practicing good character rather than “safe sex”?

When we use character-based education to approach this dilemma and encourage our youth to make choices that promote respect, honesty, self-control, and responsibility towards self and others, they have a greater opportunity to eliminate the behaviors that will negatively affect their future relationships and goals. Abstinence is the only choice that is 100% effective in eliminating sexually related consequences.

This program addresses the questions and concerns teens have about sex, love and relationships in a way that promotes a lifestyle free of hurtful consequences. Risk reduction education is still a gamble, and no one wants our youth to suffer needlessly. If parents, teachers, and others who interact with young people on a daily basis diligently set the standard, the next generation can and will meet the challenge.

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