Parents need not fear giving “the talk,” at least in Chicago. The Chicago Board of Education is now mandating that a set amount of time will be spent on sex education in every grade beginning in, wait for it, Kindergarten. I think this is a great idea.  The only problem is people focus too much on the wording “sex ed.”

The school board has emphasized that kindergartners would be learning basics about anatomy, reproduction, healthy relationships and personal safety. From kindergarten through third grade, student’s lessons will be focused on family feelings and appropriate and inappropriate touching.

Now that doesn’t sound so bad. If parents are still against it, they can choose if their children will take part in the lessons, which I feel is unfair and would be a disadvantage to the children all because the parents are uncomfortable with it.

This could be a stepping-stone in raising awareness of sexual abuses.  Children aren’t aware of what could be happening to them.  Children are so innocent and I feel if the information is delivered in a delicate way, then their innocence won’t be affected.

At least once they learn about inappropriate touching and know that it’s a “no no,” there might be a higher chance that they will tell an adult.

Once kids start learning about the basics they will become more aware, and it might even open the door for kids to ask their parents questions, so once they get older the conversation won’t be as awkward.

The school board also said from fifth through twelfth grade students will learn about reproduction, prevention of HIV and AIDS, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity.

I feel that could prevent the contraction of HIV and AIDS and bullying. These are hard topics I feel would be too awkward for parents to discuss with their kids, so why not have the teachers doing it?

Then there are children who don’t have parents that are willing to talk to them about sex education.  All schools should follow Chicago’s lead; after all, it’s not like there’s going to be showing kindergartners how to put on a condom.