If you ask me again in about 20 years when I may very well have a teenage daughter of my own, I can imagine thinking a bit differently.

See progs and 2a’ers can get along and find common ground

What about health class instruction about HIV and other STD’s? Certainly I would agree this is something parents ought to be talking about – BUT that being said, at least if (admittedly a big if) the students hear it from an appropriately qualified teacher they will be getting complete and correct information. How many parents might there be out there who still think HIV is only a “gay disease?” Just sayin’…

I also agree with an earlier comment that young people are going to have sex whether the parents enable them or not, which is all the more reason to teach sex ed early and often. In the home if it’s not being taught in the schools.

No, it is the responsibility of the parents, not the schools, to rear their children. What can the public schools do other than basic plumbing lessons and the NTTAWWT morality?

We have sex ed in schools because too many parents did not live up to their responsibilities; that doesn’t mean parents ought to be relieved of their responsibilities.

by allowing the kid to have his gf over aren’t you sort of saying as a parent:

Go ahead, have sex, it’s ok.

Age them four years, to 22 and 20, and if they aren’t married, the answer is still no.

In all seriousness though, I had a similar sort of situation when I was in my teens (although I was the same age as the girl, both 16 – not 16 and 18). We had met in an AOL chat room and talked for months on the phone but lived somewhat far apart. So eventually our respective parents let us spend occasional weekends at each other’s houses as a way to see each other. Now I know you’re thinking, crazy parents – but prior to either of us going to the other’s house we had all met on neutral turf (Dorney Park, specifically) ahead of time to make sure nobody was a weirdo / molester. Oh, and I went to her house before she was allowed to come to mine – call it sexist but (justifiably so, I think) there was less fear on my parents’ part sending a 16 year old son off to a strange house than there was on her dad’s part about doing so with his daughter.

Now, did we end up having sex despite being assigned to sleep in separate rooms / on separate floors at each other’s houses? You betcha! Did she get pregnant? Hell no! Why? Because my parents were smart and told me we’d prefer you not have sex until you’re married but if you’re going to, be smart and wear a condom. And remember if she gets pregnant your life is pretty much over cause you won’t be going to college, you’ll be getting a job to pay for it. I’m guessing her dad had a similar conversation with her – I do know that her older brother gave her condoms in case she ever needed them.

That being said, it is still the girl who carries the burden of an unwanted pregnacy. If she chooses to terminate or put the baby up for adoption she will carry emotional baggage the rest of her life. If she chooses to marry way-too-young or become a single parent she will have a very tough time of it. It’s not fair to put that responsibility on a 16-year-old by creating opportunities. Her hormones will make sure that she will find them on her own; there is no need to aid and abet youthful horniness. A parent should take a little of the pressure off and be the adult.

Girls are ethereal creatures of light. Daughters should be taught that boys are not even worthy to be in their presence, let alone anything further.

Boys are fungus. Our sons need to be protected from themselves, our daughters from others people’s sons, with deadly force if necessary.

Anti-gun types should concede the need for shotguns when their daughters enter their teens.

You won’t be sorry.