New Study Reveals Shortcomings in U.S. Sex Education Programs

A recent study conducted by researchers at Boston University’s School of Public Health highlights significant deficiencies in sex education across schools in the United States. The findings, published in the American Journal of Public Health, indicate that a substantial portion of the sex education provided is not medically accurate or scientifically sound.

The study reveals that only 19 states mandate that sex education curricula be medically accurate. Alarmingly, just 37 percent of states require that factual information about sexual health be included in educational programs. The research suggests that the content delivered in sex education classes often reflects local political ideologies and outdated societal norms rather than evidence-based practices.

While 42 states require some form of sex education in public schools, the quality and accuracy of the material vary widely. The Northeast leads with 100 percent of states having mandates for sex education, followed by the South at 88 percent. In the Midwest, 83 percent of states have requirements, while the West lags behind with just 62 percent. However, simply requiring sex education does not ensure its effectiveness or accuracy.

Controversial Practices and Misinformation

The study also highlights that 34 states permit parents to opt their children out of sex education entirely. In some instances, parents must actively opt in, which can result in children missing out on essential information regarding sexual health. This trend raises concerns about young people’s sources of sexual education, as they may turn to unreliable platforms such as social media or pornography for information.

Furthermore, the research points to the persistence of abstinence-only education policies in 34 states, despite evidence demonstrating their ineffectiveness. In particular, certain states, including Oklahoma and Texas, continue to propagate harmful anti-LGBTQ+ narratives, linking same-sex relationships to health crises such as AIDS. As of 2025, Oklahoma’s State Department of Health explicitly states that its AIDS prevention education teaches that homosexuality is “primarily responsible” for exposure to the disease, a claim that echoes outdated perspectives from decades past.

This alarming situation reflects broader societal issues that intertwine public health with ideological battles. The lack of consistent, scientifically accurate sex education is not merely an educational concern; it is a public health crisis that affects personal safety and agency among youth.

The implications of these findings underscore the urgent need for reform in sex education across the United States. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, it remains critical for lawmakers, educators, and communities to advocate for evidence-based, comprehensive sex education that prioritizes the health and well-being of all students.