Sex. Abstinence. Diseases. These are usually concepts that, in today’s society, many parents avoid discussing with their children. For some parents, it is the issue of not wanting an “awkward” conversation with their child concerning a social taboo but, for most, it is a fear that has arisen that if they talk to children about sex and warn them about it, their child will not practice abstinence.

Nothing could be further from the truth. By the teenage years, most kids have heard of sex from their classmates or friends in school but never from their parents or even school teachers. In fact, since schools have stopped offering sex education to students, teen pregnancy rates and the levels of STDs acquired by teens have risen. Big Surprise.

Not really.

Ignorance is not always bliss. In fact, it rarely is. In cases like these, it most definitely isn’t. Parents or teachers should have the duty to educate their children, and this is something of great importance. If the fear of parents lies in the fact that their child will not practice abstinence, then maybe explaining to them the consequences of unprotected sex, or sex- period- would help them make better choices.

“Sex education should ideally start in the home where parents should engage their children as active participants in their development process,” according to Taking IT Global, a network working towards combating global challenges. “This education continues at school in a way that preserves the family values while embracing societal realities.”

Oftentimes, the teen doesn’t know any better and if there is no one around to talk to them about it, then, honestly, who can blame them? Sex education is really something that should be encouraged and elaborated upon in the early ages. Even so, it’s never too late to become informed. Morals and values aside, having sex at an early age is especially dangerous. Many teens are afraid to ask about sex or about protection and are, therefore, increasing their likelihood of contracting dangerous, life-threatening sexually transmitted diseases. Among these diseases are HIV/Aids, Gonorrhea, and HPV (human papilloma virus).

According to DoSomething.org, the largest non-profit organization specializing in social change, 50 percent of all reported STIs are found in people ages 15 to 24, which represent only about 25 percent of the population with sexual experience. Not to mention, the highest rates of infection of Gonorrhea are also found in teenage girls from the ages of 15 to 19.

What these studies have suggested is that the likelihood of children having sex at an early age is dramatically increased when teens are not aware of what may happen, or are induced by peer-pressure. And when children are not learning about sex from their classmates they are learning about in on the TV.

In fact, most television shows that are viewed by teens are not shy in their portrayal of sex or the like. It is television shows, such as the Secret Life of an American Teenager and Teen Mom, among others, that glorify teen pregnancy and sex at an early age on the account that “it’s cool” and it makes them teen stars. Exciting, right? Better yet, inspiring.