7.ICR.2

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

7.ICR.2.1 Explain the effects of culture, media, and family values on decisions related to becoming or remaining abstinent.
Abstinence is a personal choice. It is a decision that everyone must make independently. However, there are many factors that could influence a young person’s choices. Young people are bombarded by messages about sexuality and sexual choices. Those messages come from a variety of sources, including the culture, media, and their family members. Within American communities, a variety of cultural attitudes exist. Members of some cultures have the expectation that youth will remain abstinent until marriage, or at least until older. Most cultures support the expectation of responsibility: that youth will take responsibility for their actions.

The media is responsible for “mixed messages” that may be confusing to pre-teens and teens. Sexual images are used to sell products and often give the impression that sex is fun, everyone is doing it, and there are no negative consequences. This is a distortion of reality. Often very young-looking models are “sexualized” and posed in positions and clothing that is not appropriate for their age. Being skeptical of advertising images is a healthy response.

Families have a great deal of influence on the choice to become or remain abstinent. Young people tend to share similar values to those of their families. How a family member or group of family member feels could (and should) be an important factor in an abstinence decision. The best way for a young person to determine their parents’ expectations for their behavior is to ask them. Then a good question to ask of oneself is, “Would my family approve of this behavior?” Recognizing that parents and guardians want the best for youth and have their well-being in mind, is one of the important steps in becoming a responsible adult who is ready to make healthy decisions.
 * The student will list “messages” that are communicated about abstinence from culture, media, and family.
 * The student will identify sources of influence that have his or her best interests in mind.
 * The student will consider parents’ expectations in his or her values about abstinence.

7.ICR.2.2 Identify the positive benefits of delaying sexual intercourse.
The benefits of delaying sexual intercourse fit into several categories: health reasons, personal reasons, and relationship reasons. Health reasons are the most obvious: avoiding unintended pregnancy and reducing the chances of sexually transmitted diseases (including those that are not curable-HIV, HPV, and herpes). Because human papilloma virus is associated with cervical and other forms of cancer, the threat to quality of life is significant. Having as STD puts one at greater risk for other infections. One should not forget the effects on emotional well-being if the relationship breaks up after the couple has become intimate. Personal reasons to remain or become abstinent include one’s personal values and faith. Most major religions encourage abstinence. One’s future goals may be compromised by the decision to become sexually involved. An unintended pregnancy is a life-altering consequence, especially for the girl. Often a young person will decide, “This is not right for me at this time in my life.” Many young people want to build a friendship with their partner, before becoming intimate. They realize it is best for them to know the person well and be able to trust them. Other relationship reasons for abstinence (1) are not wanting to disappoint parents and (2) wanting not to jeopardize future relationships. It has been said that being abstinent before marriage is good practice for being faithful within marriage as the same skills of decision making and assertive refusal are needed.
 * The student will list personal, health, and relationship reasons for abstaining from sexual intimacy.
 * The student will apply positive consequences for abstinence to a decision-making model.