The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave U.S. high schools generally good marks for their teaching of sex education, but indicated in its Dec. 9 School Health Profiles report that many areas still need improvement.

Across the country, 95 percent of high schools explained to students how sexually transmitted diseases are spread and the health consequences of infection, while 85 percent taught students how to get products and services to help them prevent STDs and pregnancy. 

At 94 percent of high schools, students learned the advantages of abstaining from sex; 92 percent of high schools discussed how family, friends and culture influence sexual behaviors; and 88 percent explained the importance of limiting the number of sexual partners.

But schools were less willing to give students specific information about condoms. Just 70 percent explained to students the importance of using condoms correctly and consistently, and only 60 percent told them how to get condoms. A mere 54 percent of schools demonstrated for students the correct use of condoms.

“We need to do a better job of giving our young people the skills and knowledge they need to protect their own health,” said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, who oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV and STD prevention efforts.

Los Angeles Times, Dec. 9