"An Alluring Implication of Sex Education to Reduce the Increasing Rate of Teenage Pregnancy in

Bintawan NHS"

Eric A. Saludares

Student Researcher

CHAPTER l

Introduction

In the Philippines, we uphold the belief of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, that "Youth is the hope of
our Motherland." The future generations rely on the young individuals of today. However, the current
situation presents a stark contrast to this ideal. With a marked rise in pregnancies each year, teenage
pregnancy has become a common problem among Filipino youths.

This is the real world, and within the real world, you need protection, the only form, sex education is
basically an education about sexuality, contraceptive methods (condoms, drugs, or surgery), to avoid
sexually transmitted infections, the importance of protection and last but not the least, attitudes and
principles about sex. Young people require information and the proper sources to help and secure
themselves. This can be since when they have no information, they turned to media or even sometimes
pornography to get information as their guardians are not open enough about sex.

Nowadays, sex scenes are heavily portrayed in movies, TV shows, and on the internet, which teenagers
are exposed to. Even when clicking on a certain link to a website, containing sexual messages and
pictures are posted to the side of the pages as if they were normal.

Teenagers might have strayed easily to such websites and unknowingly received incorrect information
about sex. In movies and TV appears, however, though there's a limit to underage children, older young
people are open to demonstrate of sex scenes in media. Sex scenes within the media are depicted as
casual and safe and appeared to bring no serious results, causing young people to see such media to be
tricked by the producers who are using sex to promote their products (Collins, R et al (2017).

It should be noted that without really knowing about it, sex can be unsafe. Parents' discomfort about
talking about sex-related issues with their children drives them to the web and other unreliable media
sources to discover out more about the topic, as they have no other implies to urge more information.
Sex education in schools can be instructed by a classroom instructor, school nurture, or an exterior
speaker, and often starts in fifth grade (Hyewon Shin, Jung Min Lee, & Ji Young Min. 2019)

sex education should be implemented in schools since sex education can reduce adolescent pregnancy,
it's better for young people to get information about sex and sexual protection methods from the right
sources instead from the media, and sex education in schools can also secure children and teenagers
(Bordia, D. (2023).

The implementation of sex education in schools will be able to plan them properly. According to a
review article by Rabbitte. M., and Enriquez, M. (2019), comprehensive sex instruction (CSE) programs
have outlined the capacity to diminish pre-adult pregnancy and delay begin into sex. Not as it were that,
based on the demonstrate and examine done as well as collected carefully, it demonstrates that sex
instruction brings numerous benefits by reducing the rate of adolescent pregnancy, giving teenagers
with correct and helpful information, furthermore ensuring them from harm.

This study will probably show convincing and undeniable evidence of why sex education should be
implemented in schools not just to educate the youth but also to reduce the increasing rate of teenage
pregnancy in the country. Teenagers need good and correct information from the right sources about
sex, sexual relationships, and other related issues in order to make the right decisions for their present
and future. They need to understand what can happen if there are misconceptions about sex, it, in turn,
becomes dangerous.

Statement of the problem

1. What is the impact of sex education on the rising rate of teenage pregnancy among upper secondary
students at Bintawan National High School? ‌

2. What are the possible dangers and outcomes of depending on media and unreliableources for
knowledge about sex, sexual relationships, and contraception among teenagers?

3. How the comprehensive sex education in schools support the safety and welfare of teenagers, and
what are the potential advantages of offering accurate and useful information about sex.

Scope and Delimitation

This study specifically targets the upper secondary students enrolled in Bintawan National High school.
Who possess the ability to respond to the required questions provided by the researchers. The study is
to determine on how effective the sex education is in upper secondary school. Also, to educate and
inform the students in upper secondary level that sex education will be a big help to reduce the popping
rate of teenage pregnancy. The research will be conducted at Bintawan National High School. The study
will include pregnant teenagers who are currently enrolled at the school. The research will gather data
from these respondents through interviews and surveys.

Significance of the study

To Students: This study will provide students with a clearer understanding of sex education, enabling
them to receive proper guidance from their teachers. It will help them comprehend the true nature of
sex education and its relevance to pressing issues like teenage pregnancy, which is often a subject of
controversy in our society.

To Parents: This research will equip parents with valuable knowledge to effectively educate and guide
their children towards a brighter future. They will be better informed on how to address the topic of sex
education and support their children's development in this area.

To Researchers: Through this research, the researchers' understanding of the subject matter expanded
significantly, enriching their knowledge base. This newfound knowledge will be cherished and benefit
them throughout their lives.

To Teachers: This study serves as a significant resource for teachers, helping them realize that sex
education encompasses more than just the mechanics of sex. It highlights the importance of ensuring
that their students possess a comprehensive understanding of the topic, beyond mere factual
information.

Definition of terms

Abstinence-only-until-marriage - this approach teaches students that abstinence is the only way to
prevent teen pregnancy.

Abstinence-plus - this program promotes abstinence as the ideal option for youth and recognizes that
they should practice protected sex. It also focuses on reducing one or more sex behaviors that lead to
sex.

Comprehensive sexual education - teaches students about contraceptives and practicing safe sex. This
approach also teaches students about goal setting and allowing them to explore their values.

Prevention - teaches youth about the actions that stop something from happening.

CHAPTER ll
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATION
Local

The study is mainly anchored on the Healthy Lifestyle Bill of 2014, which amended the youth's
responsibility in maintaining the path to health empowerment by promoting health education in all
levels. A comprehensive health education thrust, that addresses the students' physical, mental,
emotional health needs, plays a large role in preventing ordinary diseases, by arming citizens with the
right educational skills and training and to take a more proactive role in maintaining their health and
their families. (Healthy Lifestyle Bill 2014)

In order to accomplish the goal, the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines
Congress assembled "Order 2, S. 4", which mainly discuss about personal status, family life and sex
education. It is stated there that the curriculum for sex education, and sexuality integrates the purposes
and provisions of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.

Based on the study by Maria Teresa Montemayor (2019), with the help of sex education, the cases and
incidents of teenage pregnancy, population growth and sexually transmitted diseases are lessened.
Stated also that Undersecretary Annalyn Silva of DepEd is working on the improvements of the policy
guidelines on the implementation of Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) integrated with subjects and
extra-curricular activities. She also quoted Commission on Population (Popcom) Deputy Director Lolito
Tacardon's statement on the country's increasing population rate: expressing that Philippines' fertility
rate is much higher than morality and migration: "Around 2 million is added to us every year based on
our current population growth rate at 1.7 and when you translate this to simple arithmetic, this is three
children per minute so around 4,000 per day, are added to us". (Montemayor, 2019)

According to the entitled "Acceptability of the Inclusion of Sex Education in Basic Education of Selected
Public Elementary Schools in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines," conducted by Richmond D. Gabudao and
Juanita B. Pascua. The authors aimed to determine the level of acceptability of sex education among
respondents in the Department of Education, Bayombong I, Division of Nueva Vizcaya. Sexual
Education's level of acceptability was determined by these authors who come under the Division of
Nueva Vizcaya. The teachers and parents accepted and approved of including sex education in basic
education. Besides, the study showed that younger educators expressed a greater level of approval in
contrast to their more experienced postseason colleagues. The issue of including sex education in basic
education was deemed acceptable by parents of various ages, which is interesting. Considering various
perspectives is emphasized as crucial in shaping comprehensive education policies. (Gabudao et al,
2016)

According to the research conducted (Maravilla, J.C., Betts, K.S. & Alati, R. 2018), while a decline was
observed in 19-21 and 22-24-year-old, we found a constant prevalence of one in every five in 15-18
years old from 1993 to 2013. This trend was evident across all regions, types of residence and socio-
economic status. The analysis also found that those from the poorest wealth quintile demonstrated a
heightened risk of repeated pregnancy compared to other quintiles. The non- decreasing prevalence
trend of repeated pregnancy among adolescents indicated the need for secondary prevention programs
particularly for the poorest households. Epidemiological investigations are also necessary to explore the
causes and impact of repeated pregnancy on maternal, child and neonatal health, not only in the
Philippines, but also among other low- and middle-income countries. (Maravilla et al, 2018)

International

According to the study entitled ‘’The perceptions of Latina adolescents regarding the influences of their
male partners on childbearing,’’ conducted by Schwartz, Brindis, Ralph, and Biggs (2011), the role of
male partners in teenage pregnancy and their impact on contraception use, pregnancy timing, and post-
pregnancy plans. The attributed to factors such as lower levels of effective contraceptive use, higher
rates of intended pregnancy, and adherence to traditional gender roles. Also study the explored the
influence of partner demographics, attitudes toward pregnancy, pregnancy intentions, relationship
dynamics, and age differences on teenage pregnancy. several suggests that partner awareness and
discussion of contraception positively affect contraceptive use. However, there is a lack of addressing
Latino male cultural norms and their connection to teenage pregnancy. Additionally, the review
highlights the importance of further research to inform interventions aimed at reducing teenage
pregnancy within the Latino population in the United States. (Schwartz et al, 2011)

According to MacLeod, C. The United Nations Development Programmer ’s (UNDP) Millennium project
argues for the importance of sexual and reproductive health in the achievement of all Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). Sex education programming specifically intended for young people is
particularly highlighted. Reducing the incidence of HIV and improving maternal health are at the
forefront of their alignment with specific MDGs. The manuals on sex education and Life Orientation
recently issued in South Africa will be analyzed in this article. The manuals take on danger and disease as
guiding metaphors. Depicting early reproduction and abortion as wholly deleterious and non-normative
relationships leading to disease is a common practice. I contend that 'teenage pregnancy' and abortion
have negative consequences, because, sex education programs persistently contain dangers and disease
due to the colonialist foundation of the concept of 'adolescence'. (Macleod, C. 2009)

The role of sex education in the initiation of sexual activity and the risk of teen pregnancy and sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). The controversial nature of sex education in the United States has led to
numerous debates and systematic reviews, but few population-level epidemiologic evaluations have
been conducted. The study by Kohler, Manhart, and Lafferty (2008) contributes to this field by analyzing
data from the National Survey of Family Growth. The findings indicate that adolescents who received
comprehensive sex education were significantly less likely to report teen pregnancy compared to those
who received no formal sex education. The study found no significant effect of abstinence-only
education on teen pregnancy rates. Neither, abstinence-only nor comprehensive sex education
significantly reduced the likelihood of engaging in vaginal intercourse or reported STD diagnoses. The
review suggests that teaching about contraception did not increase the risk of adolescent sexual activity
or STDs. It emphasizes the lower risk of pregnancy among adolescents who received comprehensive sex
education compared to those who received abstinence-only or no sex education. (Kohler et al, 2008)
According to Bordogna A. et.al (2023), "Comprehensive sexuality education to reduce pregnancy" rates
in the United States. It highlights the high rate of teen pregnancy in the country and the variation in laws
regarding sexuality education. The review includes a systematic analysis of 29 studies published
between 1990 and 2021, there were seven studies analyzed in a systematic review. The review also
indicates that CSE promotes safe-sex behaviors but does not significantly affect sexual activity or
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The findings imply that introducing CSE could be beneficial in
reducing teenage pregnancy rates in the US, despite requiring more data to be collected. (Bardogna et
al, 2023)

According to the study conducted by Jacqueline Corcoran (2016), the intersection between teenage
pregnancy and mental health, with a specific focus on the risks and effects of depression and conduct
problems among adolescent mothers. The article highlights the significant impact of adolescent
pregnancy on long-term poverty, low proper education attainment, and increased health problems for
both the mother and child. The review explores various studies that demonstrate the association
between depression and teenage pregnancy, highlighting the higher rates of depression among
pregnant teenagers compared to non-pregnant teens. The review addresses the role of conduct
problems, including oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, in adolescent pregnancy, and
the link between conduct problems and early sexual involvement, risk-taking behavior, and subsequent
teenage pregnancy. The importance of social support and the impact of maltreatment in relation to
depression among pregnant teenagers. The comprehensive understanding and support systems to
address the mental health challenges faced by adolescent mothers and highlights the potential
implications for both their immediate well-being and future results. (Corcoran, 2016)

References

"X-Rated Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors Associated With U.S. Early Adolescents' Exposure to Sexually
Explicit Media" by Jane D. Brown and Kelly L. L'Engle

Rabbitte, M., & Enriquez, M. (2019). Comprehensive Sex Education as a Primary Prevention Strategy for
Sexual Violence Perpetration. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 20(2), 243-256.
doi:10.1177/1524838017691575

Cantor, J., Fischer, J. L., & Thomas, J. A. (2021). Sex Education: Politics and Evidence. The Future of
Children, 31(1), 161-181. doi:10.1353/foc.2021.0007.

Collins, R et al (2017). Sexual Media and Child well-being and health. Journal of the American Academy
of Pediatrics. 140(2).

Hyewon Shin, Jung Min Lee, & Ji Young Min. (2019). Sexual Knowledge, Sexual Attitudes, and
Perceptions and Actualities of Sex Education among Elementary School Parents. Child Health Nursing
Research, 25(3), 312323 Jang HJ. Effects of sex education programs for preschool parents [master's
thesis]. Seoul: Hanyang University; 2016. p. 1-74.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066447
Kohler, P. K., Manhart, L. E., & Lafferty, W. E. (2008). Abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education
and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy. The Journal of adolescent health : official
publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 42(4), 344 –351.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.08.026

Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-
625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

Schwartz, S. L., Brindis, C. D., Ralph, L. J., & Biggs, M. A. (2011). Latina adolescents ’ perceptions of their
male partners’ influences on childbearing: findings from a qualitative study in California. Culture, Health
& Sexuality, 13(8), 873–886. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23047722

Macleod, C. (2009). Danger and Disease in Sex Education. Journal of Health Management.
https://doi.org/10.1177/097206340901100207.

Article: Teenage Pregnancy and Mental Health Authors: by Jacqueline Corcoran

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/6/3/21

Amy L. Bordogna, Amanda C. Coyle, Rupa Nallamothu, Alina L. Manko & Renata W. Yen (2023)
Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Reduce Pregnancy and STIs in Adolescents in the United States: A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, American Journal of Sexuality Education, 18:1, 39-83, DOI:
10.1080/15546128.2022.2080140