Support for sex education among parents and their adolescents: Findings from a new national survey

Over the past 20 years, public opinion polls have consistently found widespread support for sex education. However, previous polls have primarily examined support from likely voters. In 2012, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Family Circle magazine, with support from the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health at New York University, conducted a nationally representative dyadic survey of parent/adolescent pairs to explore support for sex education in middle and high schools, as well as parent-teen communication about sex and sexuality. Adolescents aged 15–18 (n=1,046) and one of their parents (n=1,046) completed the survey, for a total sample of 2,092. Parents and adolescents were asked about their support for topics covered in sex education programs including relationships, abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, sexual orientation, and digital behavior like sexting. They also answered extensive questions about their communication about sex and sexuality.

Overall, an overwhelming majority of parents (96%) and adolescents (93%) reported that it is important sex education is taught in high schools. A large majority of parents (94%) and adolescents (88%) also reported that it is important sex education is taught in middle schools. This session will present detailed findings from the research, including areas where parents and adolescents have similar and differing opinions, ways in which parents and adolescents believe schools can improve sex education, and associations between parent-teen communication about sex and sexuality and support for covering those topics in school settings. We will also suggest ways that the research can help support school-based sex education.