Teen pregnancy, abortion, and birth rates have declined in the United States since 1991. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy lists 10 rules for effective sex education programs.
1. Train peer leaders.
2. Longer programs are better than shorter.
3. Tailor material to age, culture, and experience.
4. Personalize information.
5. Practice sexual negotiation and saying no.
6. Teach resistance to peer pressure.
7. Give basic, accurate sexual information.
8. Develop a clear message about birth control. Repeat it.
9. Reward changes in thought and behavior.
10. Focus on reducing one or two risky behaviors.
Source: "Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy," by Douglas Kirby (2001). www.teenpregnancy.org
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