Common problems with traditional sex-ed

A lot of sex-ed in the United States is based on fear and shame. [2] [3]

Abstinence-only sex ed is a waste of money, and the research shows that they lead to worse outcomes.

Some specific things that are often left out from traditional sex-ed programs — consent, red flags for abusive relationships, healthy relationships in general, ...

Cultural messages

From a media literacy standpoint, there are some problems with how sex is depicted in mass media:

• The MPAA regularly allows depictions of male sexual pleasure in movies, while at the same time deeming female sexual pleasure as too explicit for large releases.
  • This feels to me a little like when search engines block terms like lesbian or bisexual because of their strong association with porn. You can sort of understand where they're coming from... but ultimately that still does clear and specific harm to minority groups, and it needs to be fixed ASAP. [2]
• Mass media (especially advertising) presents a very narrow depiction of female beauty ideals — white, very young, extremely thin, able-bodied, ... and completely unattainable.