Co-Ed Sex Ed Classes, Need your help...

[Sha]

My oldest daughter is in 6th grade and tonight I went to the parental viewing of the sex ed video that they are showing and I have to say I was set back a bit thinking how horrified these kids (at least my daughter and the kids I know) will be when watching this video with the boys in the same room. This video was VERY graphic and even went on to discuss "Wet Dreams" and so on. Don't get me wrong....the curriculum is a must these days, but why in the hek are we showing this as co-ed to a bunch of 11-12 year olds. They are all going to be so uncomfortable nothing will be learned. My daughters teacher is also concerned about this, she says especially this year with the certain "Boys" in her class this is going to be disastrous. Any feelings or experiences you all would like to share with me? My friend and I have a petition and will be going in front of the school board members next Tuesday to change this to just boys and just girls while viewing the videos. I would love to hear all of your stories and opinions. It will be a great help to me and a learning experience. Thanks in advance... :D :p :)

[stresseater]

ITA, it is a bad idea to have co-ed sex ed classes. This is a time when a kid should feel free to ask ANY questions they may have and to have the added pressure of the oppisite sex present make that almost impossible. :( Hope the school board lostens to you. :D

[tammy77]

I remember watching a video on female puberty when I was in 5th grade.No boys were there.Then later in 6th,7th,or 8th grade(cant remember which)we saw,both girls and boys,the miracle of life or something similar.Man was that fun.I thought it was the coolest thing in the world but everyone else thought it was digusting.I couldnt imagine watching any type of video about puberty with the opposite sex.Even if it has both girls and boys in it.I agree with you on the petition.I think they should watch the video seperately.I hope the school officials agree with all of the parents and let them watch it seperately.I think at that age boys arent mature enough to know how to handle it and the girls wont learn a thing.Please keep us updated and let us know what happens.Good luck.

[LoveBugg]

Gosh... When we had ours in 6th grade it was co-ed and it was bad... The boys went wild... I hated that day...

I cant believe I can remember what happened over 15yrs ago..

[LitWtch]

It is VERY inappropriate to show this in a co-ed class. You do have the right to opt out your daughter, and view the video in private by checking it out of the school. I would suggest that you do this. My youngest is in 6th grade also, and they did this in seperate classes. The kids were all together for certain aspects of discussion that were health related, but anything sexual was discussed girl or boy only classes.

[Tisky67]

Oh I would be going ballistic at the thought of a coed sex ed class. I know here they still seperate the boys & girls to do the "facts of life/ puberty" class. I know how my son is & he got embarressed he said with just the boys in the room.

I think you are doing the right thing by trying to get it seperated into boys only & girls only.

[iluvmybaby]

I guess I wonder who this is so shocking? Sex happens in between male and females, this might be an opperunity for this subject to be discussed in a controll enviroment, I had a co-ed sex ed class and it went well, children of that are more knowledgeable about sex then we give them credit for. That is my 2 cents

[buttrfli]

I guess I wonder who this is so shocking? Sex happens in between male and females, this might be an opperunity for this subject to be discussed in a controll enviroment, I had a co-ed sex ed class and it went well, children of that are more knowledgeable about sex then we give them credit for. That is my 2 cents

I think its a bad idea. We had seperate sex ed classes (how come we didn't get a sex movie?? :( lol) when I was in 6th grade. I had some questions that I would have NEVER asked in front of boys. I don't think that either boys or girls will be comfortable in a room together and it will just be a big joke to some/most of them. Boys are boys and will goof around or make noises etc and when that happens the environment is no longer controlled.

I also believe that parents shouldn't rely on the school system to educate their kids about sex. Yes, I know that there are a lot of parents who don't/won't take the time to talk with their kids, but for the ones who are concerned about the co-ed situation, just need to be prepared and have their own detailed talks about what they saw that day. Then they will know that their kids did pay attention. I learned everything important to me from my mom. There was NOTHING that I could not ask her. Shes made it clear my entire life that if I never needed to know anything, no matter how embarrasing, she will answer me honestly... and she did :) We never really had "the talk" but a lot of little chats about different things... and still do :D

That was 25 years ago.. these days kids need to know about more than just sex and how babies are made. They need to know that sex can actually kill them (just had that conversation again w/ my 15 y/o DS and I drive him nuts that I keep tellling him lol) I think the more education the better.... even though I am not all for the co-ed idea, with the way some parents are these days, it better to be able to learn a little than nothing at all.


aaahhhhhh ok, that was my soapbox speech for the day :D LOL

[Donnagg123]

Kinda OT, but I am just happy to see so many people on here FOR the sex videos. So many parents think kids are too young or are too afraid to talk with their kids and that is where it leads to trouble. Sorry again to be OT, but whatever you decide is going to be what is best for your child.

[delSol]

I would go crazy!!! I had gotten my daughter the book "It's perfectly normal" - made read it and then WE sat down to idscuss and for me to make sure she actually read/understood the book, then she was ready for the school stuff but not with the boys, that is very sesitive and a young enough age they need to keep their modesty.

[Tasha405]

I think its a bad idea. We had seperate sex ed classes (how come we didn't get a sex movie?? :( lol) when I was in 6th grade. I had some questions that I would have NEVER asked in front of boys. I don't think that either boys or girls will be comfortable in a room together and it will just be a big joke to some/most of them. Boys are boys and will goof around or make noises etc and when that happens the environment is no longer controlled.

ITA!

[freebielover]

I watched them in a co ed class environment every year 5th grade through 10 and it never bothered me. The boys goofed around a little bit, but nothing huge. We all learned a lot from it and I wasn't embarrassed. Then we had a Q & A session afterwards with just girls. I never had a problem.

[Sha]

Thank you so much for all of your input. I am in no way against the videos at all. The curriculum is well versed and all. We are just trying to have them seperate the boys and girls when they are viewing the video. The rest of the sessions are just fine co-ed. I have spoken with all the teachers and they are all wanting them to be seperated for many reasons. I have already covered all bases with my kids on these issues and we are very open about our "Sex" talks at home. I remember my sex-ed video non Co-ed and thank gosh because at that age...there are some personal things that come out that your not ready to see in front of the boys. Thanks again to all of you.. :)

[MamaFairal]

BAD idea

[Wildkats]

Maybe you could offer to come to school and help 'supervise' the kids if they get split up boys and girls. I'm sure there are a few Dads that could come in for the talk to 'supervise' the boys. They could even split the groups so you wouldn't be with your daughter, b/c she might feel embarrassed asking questions in front of you.

[YankeeMary]

I have mixed thoughts about this. I think in a way they should be seperated because it is very embarrassing but then again, obviously it isn't to embarrassing to jump into bed with one another. I am definatly for the video. I, personally, wouldn't object to a co-ed viewing, but then again I have 2 boys. I think the boys would be less embarrassed by it then girls, or at least they would act like they were less embarrassed. I think as the mother of your child you are doing what YOU think is right for your child and I say more power to you momma!!! Good luck and I hope you acheive the results you are after.

[JCshopper]

I would keep my children home and take them to planned parenthood and have them speak to a real professional who will warn them of the unintended consequences. If the school wants to keep it separate that would be fine, but I still think they would learn more from a professional that sees the disasters first hand, every day. I actually had a health teacher in the 10th grade, that AGAINST district policy taught my coed class about sex, sexual health and STDs. He brought in photos of what some sexually transmitted diseases looked like. In my opinion, that was the BEST possible way to address the issue. It had a hell of a lot more impact than anything else I was ever taught about sex. Everyone I knew, from that day on, (remember this was 10th grade) carried condoms with them if they thought there was even a REMOTE CHANCE, they MIGHT have sex SOMEDAY. The photos were graphic, shocking, and disgusting. That teacher really cared about his classes and what adolescents were being taught. That was in 1985 and he did us all the favor of teaching us about AIDS while it was just starting to be learned about and understood. In my mind, I thank that teacher every time I think about it. HE IS A TRUE HERO! I would give his name, but I would be affraid he may still work for that district and lose his job.

[schsa]

I wonder if at 11 and 12 they might find some of this just plain gross. You know the maturity level of alot 12 year olds leaves something to be desired. I agree about the separate discussion groups afterwards. That way each person can say what they want to say without thinking that some boy or some girl would make fun of them.

[Sha]

Well here is an update! We are right now about 250+ signatures and alot of parents with kids younger were amazed that there is co-ed viewing. I also talked to a few kids boys and girls who are in 6th grade and these children were very honest and saying they would feel much better with them seperated. Thanks again...I will keep you updated! :) :p

[Peanut818]

I just want to say that a co-ed sex video is just not right. I am 26 and in 6th grade we had to to a health course with sex education and it was co-ed, and I do not think it should have been, (I was practically raising my 2 younger brothers, and I was mature, but the boys were not)!!!! They kept making crude comments. The video I watched even talked about yeast infections, now I ask you how is a girl supossed to ask questions about that in front of a bunch of boys?

Although what I think is funny and irresponsible on the schools part is that is the last time we heard anything about it. OK I know they say that is a parents duty, but what if the parents are to embaressed or to busy to have the "talk", isn't that the reason we pay taxes, to have our children educated?

To the OP keep protesting I think the girls and boys will learn more in groups of their own gender!!!!

[mlayton1994]

I think sex ed is important. Me being a teacher, aunt and hopefully one day a mom. I think they need to do what is best for the kids. sometimes it is ok for co-ed and other times it isnt. All I know is I totally agree with them teaching this 100% abstince in high school. Sure they should encourage it but, lets face it the majority of teens are not going to stick with this.

sorry I hijacked your thread. I didnt mean too.
Keep us posted on this.

[Sha]

I am in no way against the videos at all. The curriculum is well versed and all. We are just trying to have them seperate the boys and girls when they are viewing the video. The rest of the sessions are just fine co-ed. I have spoken with all the teachers and they are all wanting them to be seperated for many reasons. I have already covered all bases with my kids on these issues and we are very open about our "Sex" talks at home. I remember my sex-ed video non Co-ed and thank gosh because at that age...there are some personal things that come out that your not ready to see in front of the boys. Thanks again to all of you.. :)

Mlayton, I agree sex-ed is VERY important these days. That is why we want them seperated during the videos so the information is well absorbed (or at least better than it would be if the other sex was in the room). I am glad you posted..Thanks. I have been amazed by how many parents of the younger children did not know that it would be co-ed in 6th. They were horrified. Just to give you some insight of why we think this is such a personal video to watch with the other sex. They talk in detail about erections and how they happen and why, wet dreams and ejaculation. The visuals were not real pics....but they are VERY detailed and it will be a shock to some. Just so they feel more comfy..I am here trying to get support from the parents at the school with my friend. It is so far a very good turnout. Many will even be at the board meeting. Thanks again..

[june72]

I think that is way to young. I also feel it is our job as parents to do the talks and explaining to them not the teachers. But that is jmo

[andreame70]

It is our job as parents to teach our children about sex, it should not have to be left up to the teachers and it should not be left up to the other children in the locker rooms to educate our kids.

The cold, hard fact is that there are many parents out there who do not talk to their children about these issues and therefore, once again, the school has to step in and take over the parents job. I think it is very sad. It should not have to be this way, but it is.

I think it is a good idea that the school show this video. Kids need to learn about real life and be armed with the proper (and correct) information. For most of the kids, I hope that the video will be a supplement to what their parents are already teaching them at home.

It should not be done co-ed however. Ours was done co-ed in the 6th grade and I can tell you from experience, it was a free for all. Most of the girls did okay, but the boys began making snide remarks and cutting up. I distinctly remember one boy asking about fertilization. He had it in his mind that the woman had the sperm inside of her, and that the man planted a small egg in her through his penis. He was ridiculed and picked on for years after. All through middle and high school, some of the kids who were there and remembered his question, called him "egg shooter" and it stuck with him until he graduated from high school. I felt really bad for him.

Co-ed is a bad idea. The lessons from the video are valuable, but it should be done in a very controlled and serious environment where the kids will feel comfortable asking questions.

Andrea

[queenangie]

Yes, sex education is very important, dealing with the physical and emotional changes in a pre-puberty or puberty age body, and having the knowledge to protect oneself against deadly diseases and STDs.

Being that said, 12 yo girls are much more advanced maturity wise
than 12 yo boys, for the majority of kids.

Yes, I do believe they should be separated for the film and discussion.

Both my boys had the classes separated and the female teacher taught
the girls. One of the boys' dads was asked to talk to the boys,
usually a doctor or another teacher.

Abstinance should be stressed; however, kids need to know about condoms
and how to protect themselves as stated above.

I'd have a very open, relaxed talk at home with my child before the class too.

[tracey74]

I think that is way to young. I also feel it is our job as parents to do the talks and explaining to them not the teachers. But that is jmo


6th grade isnt too young I see and hear of more girls in my state alone becoming pregnant at 12,13,etc and I know a few I know one who is 13 or 14 and has 2(actually state has them) another girl I know is 12 and she contracted herpes last yr.she sleeps with adult men and her mother is too much of a moron to believe it when we told her.the herpes i guess she got through the air(yeah right) anyway I think as years go on the kids get younger and younger and its a shame my mom taught me about the birds and bees at 8 years old needless to say I turned out pretty good had my children after I was married(not out here throwing barbs at others).but none of my sisters did now my 15 yr old sister is 4 months or so pregnant.I have a 18 yr old sister who has no kids(thank goodness) so I think not only should the schools teach it but also the parents,or grandparents.or someone if the parents wont do it.these kids need taught Its a shame to see these young kids raising kids or getting diseases.I guess they think it cant happen to them.and the parents who LET their children sleep with adults also disturbs me and they need shot point blank range for this if any adult male or female touches one of my underage kids they will wish they went to prison/jail. I'm not saying it wont happen to my kids but I talk to them and listen to them no matter how embarrassing and tell them what can happen and that some std can kill you or permanantly scar you for life in one way or another.luckily my kids are sooo stuck up my butt and dont tend to go very far and if they do I know who they are with and what they are doing.which is a good thing.but teach it first to seperate classes not coed and start teaching them at a young age.kids need to be kids not parents.

[evrita]

ITA 6th grade isnt too young my DD is in 6th grade they have Co ed sex class she is ok with it annoucement about pads being in the nurses office is made in the locker room girls only. I know of several girls who are having babies at this age and I see girls my daughter goes to school with who dress like they are wearing almost nothing.

Kids know alot now and I have been discussing with my daughter at a very young age the basics and as she got older I let her know more.

[Jaxx]

My son watched this tape also but it was not co-ed
you would think that they school should know that this will
be aquared for them to watch this together

[adorkablex]

We had co-ed sex ed in 7th and 8th grades. I'm not scarred for life.