.. This is my response to this whole NS Sex Book Scandal. If you don't know what I'm talking about, see one of my ealier posts, or look on the Internet. This will hopefully be published in our newsletter in a few weeks (but you lucky cats get a special sneak preview).

Are Nova Scotians Scared of Sex?

If the recent decision of several Nova Scotian School Boards to ban a sex education booklet in schools is any indication; the answer is a resounding yes.

There have been several items regarding the so-called ‘sex manual', designed by the province's Office of Health Promotion, in the news over the past few months. Most of these stories call the sex guide "racy", "graphic", and even "shocking".

So, what's so shocking about the booklet? Masturbation? Homosexuality? Oral Sex?
Perhaps. However, take a moment to ask a typical 14-year old student if these topics are ‘shocking' or ‘offensive'. Chances are, it is his or her answer that will be shocking.

One of the main arguments against this booklet is that the students are simply too young to read about the various activities mentioned in the booklet. They are not, it would seem, too young to engage in these activities. In 2002, a survey in Nova Scotia found that 8% of grade 7 students had already engaged in sexual intercourse. This increased to 21% in grade 9; 34% in grade 11; and 58% in grade 12.

Nearly 40% of these young people did not use a condom. Now that's shocking.

Contrary to what you may have heard in the media, the booklet is not a sex manual that teaches adolescents how to have a better sex life. The booklet, titled "Healthy Sexuality For Adolescents" seeks to answer questions many teenagers may already have. Some topics addressed are Avoiding Sexual Assault and Date Rape, Avoiding STI's, and "16 Good Reasons NOT to Have Sex". Clearly, this booklet was designed by concerned, responsible parties such public health nurses, parents, sexual health educators.

This book was created for students, but also as a valuable tool for parents. Many parents are not comfortable approaching the subject of their teenage son or daughter's sexuality. This booklet will hopefully be a starting point for open communication. It is the hope of XXX that this booklet will become freely available to our community, and will be used by students, teachers, and parents.