an abstinence education program for America’s youth

COPYRIGHT ' 2005 TRUTH4YOUTH.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE USA.
 abstinence defined

As defined in the Welfare Reform Act in

What exactly is abstinence education? Title V, all abstinence education programs
What will kids learn in
must comply with the following guidelines:
“This program a Truth4Youth Program?
Abstinence education is a health strategy that encourages teens to practice Abstinence education is defined as an
shows teens how
abstinence until marriage. Abstinence programs like Truth4Youth challenge educational or motivational program
important making Truth4Youth teaches kids far more than just how to say
students to consider the future. They teach important skills, like goal-setting decisions can be.” which:
no. It challenges young people to think about themselves,
and decision-making, as well as how to build healthy relationships. Abstinence - Thirteen year old boy to recognize that they have inestimable worth. They are
[A] has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social,
programs teach how choices affect the future and the benefits of remaining commenting on abstinence challenged to dream about the future and they learn how psychological, and health gains to be realized by
abstinent until marriage. They also discuss the potential consequences of education program responsible behavior can help them abstaining from sexual activity;
sexual activity before marriage, including pregnancy, sexually transmitted [B] teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside
achieve their goals. Other areas for
marriage as the expected standard for all school
diseases, and emotional pain. student growth include: age children;
[C] teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the
only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy,
sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated
Truth4Youth is a specific abstinence education program tailored to the needs of [1] Goals: Making a game plan for your life health problems;
[2] Media: Who are you listening to? [D] teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous
students in middle and high school. All Truth4Youth presentations are led by trained
relationship in the context of marriage is the
and certified abstinence instructors and are guaranteed to encourage your student [3] Why boundaries matter
expected standard of human sexual activity;
body to save sex for marriage. Truth4Youth programs are developed from a strong [4] The risks and consequences of sex before marriage [E] teaches that sexual activity outside of the context
abstinence curriculum that is in full compliance with federal abstinence education [5] New decisions: Starting over of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological
and physical effects;
guidelines. Through videos, games, interactive activities, and more, the message of [6] The importance of choosing your friends [F] teaches that bearing children out-of-wedlock is
abstinence is shared with kids in an age-appropriate and culturally relevant way. [7] Marriage as the expected standard likely to have harmful consequences for the child,
the child’s parents, and society;
[G] teaches young people how to reject sexual
advances and how alcohol and drug use increases
vulnerability to sexual advances; and
[H] teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency
before engaging in sexual activity.
 Aren’t all abstinence programs
Do kids really need the same? Kids deserve the best we have to give them. They deserve
abstinence education? the guidance and direction of abstinence education.
More than ever before, youth need the truth about “Abstinence education In a word, no! Only abstinence education (not programs
sex. They need to know that abstinence until discusses self-esteem, called abstinence-plus or abstinence-based ) offers
marriage and sex enjoyed inside a marriage
self-worth, relationships teens the whole truth about sex before marriage — that Is abstinence education
as a whole, rather than only abstinence until marriage provides 100 percent “medically accurate?”
relationship gives them the best chance at a abstinence until marriage
happy and healthy future. Plus, abstinence only.” protection against premarital pregnancy and sexually
transmitted diseases. Yet, some contraceptive-based sex Yes! Abstinence education programs such as Truth4Youth
education brings to light important facts about our - Educator commenting on
Truth4Youth program in her education programs actually encourage teens to engage in are based on solid, scientific facts found in peer-reviewed,
culture, and current trends concerning sex.
school sexual activity, putting their very futures at risk. published journals, studies and surveys. All major health
For instance, did YOU know:
organizations agree that only abstinence until marriage to an
Abstinence education, on the other hand, is based on the uninfected spouse provides 100 percent protection against
premise that kids can make good choices and should be premarital pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and
• Teens who engage in sexual activity before marriage are also more likely to drink or
encouraged to do so. The benefits of remaining abstinent emotional pain. Contraception-based sex education, on
smoke than teens that are abstinent.
until marriage are just too good to ignore. For example, the other hand, is riddled with dangerous messages. For
• Half of all STDs are diagnosed to youth age 15-24. studies show that: example, contraception-based sex education programs
¥ Individuals who remain abstinent until marriage report teach that relying on condoms makes sexual activity safe.
• Having an STD can increase a teen’s susceptibility to cancer and HIV/AIDS. feeling happier in their marriages. They also report having Not so! In fact, the CDC recently published just the opposite,
more fulfilling sex lives than individuals who do not remain saying that condoms do not protect against HPV, a
Sources: 1) American Journal of Preventive Medicine, October 2004; 2) 2003 STD Surveillance Report, Centers for Disease Control; dangerous STD that can lead to cervical cancer, the leading
3) Centers for Disease Control, June 2004 abstinent until marriage.
¥ Individuals who remain abstinent until marriage enjoy cause of death among American women.
higher standards of living than individuals who do not
remain abstinent until marriage.
 “Truth4Youth is amazing!”
do parents play a role? My daughter loved it. Not
only was she well-educated How can I bring Truth4Youth to my school?
with age-appropriate
Truth4Youth believes that parents are the primary materials, but it was a
educators of their children. It is, therefore, their right program that recognized Truth4Youth programs are being held all across the Midwest. All Truth4Youth
and responsibility to know what their children are her innocence.” programs are custom-created to match your school s specific preferences. One-time
being taught regarding their children s sexual health. - Parent of a child
assemblies, week-long programs, one-night events, teacher training services, and
Truth4Youth seeks to undergird parental desires, who attended a more are all possibilities. To speak with a Truth4Youth Coordinator about the
Truth4Youth program many options available to meet your school s needs, call 605 275 6291 or log on
supporting their efforts to teach healthy sexual
attitudes and behavior. to www.truth4youth.com today.

All Truth4Youth programs are open to parents. My school’s budget is already tight. For more information
Truth4Youth can also provide parent workshops and How much does Truth4Youth charge? about bringing
seminars that can be held in conjunction with school Truth4Youth
into your school,
programs for adolescents or separately. In addition, Because the message is so important, Truth4Youth provides all of its club or church,
trained abstinence advisors are available to answer any programming FREE of charge! So spend your money on books and give call (605) 275-6291
questions and suggest appropriate parenting resources your teachers a raise, because Truth4Youth understands how hard you or log on to
regarding sexual health. work to stay on budget. www.truth4youth.com