Knowledge vs. Abstinence: The Student Battle to Redefine Sex Ed in Florida

By Mia Palacios

For over two decades, Florida’s public schools have operated under a foundational education law that explicitly emphasizes abstinence-only education. Enacted in 1999, the law mandates that teaching sexuality must be “abstinence-centered” and cannot “promote” or “condone” sexual activity outside of marriage. This legal framework has largely defined (and critics argue, severely limited) conversations about sexual health in classrooms across the state. 

But as a new generation of students stands on the brink of adulthood, many are questioning the silence and calling for a more comprehensive approach. We spoke to two high school seniors to get their perspective.

Obed Chiong, an 18-year-old in 12th grade, is direct about the need for change. “ I feel like every teenager nowadays is unaware of how important it is to take care of themselves… because there are a lot of infections that could make you sick. Also, a responsibility. You could bring problems to your family.”

His view reflects a central argument of organizations like the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), which advocate for comprehensive sex education (CSE). SIECUS argues that CSE is essential for young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships, and is linked to reduced rates of STIs and unintended pregnancy.

When asked about timing, Obed believes high school is the right starting point. “Back in middle school, people are still like not mature enough to understand,” he suggests, pinpointing age 15 or 9th grade as appropriate. 

He also firmly advocated for co-educational classes. 

“I don’t think that they should be separated because you can actually get to know how the other person’s like… You get the different points of view.” 

This aligns with research cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which states that effective sex education should be inclusive and medically accurate, providing a complete picture of human development and health.

Fellow senior Samuel Lewis agrees on the critical importance of the subject. Samuel highlights practical knowledge, like the use of contraceptives, as a key component often missing from abstinence-only frameworks.

“I personally feel like sex ed should be in schools,” Samuel states. “It’s very important because when you’re a young adult… if you aren’t well versed in sex ed, you might fall into sexually transmitted diseases.”

However, Samuel suggests a slightly later introduction than Obed: “I’ll honestly start junior year when… you’re gonna start college and stuff and honestly be a young adult.” The debate over the ideal grade level is part of a larger national conversation about developmental appropriateness.

The Florida Backstory:

Florida’s long-standing abstinence-centered approach is not an anomaly but part of a broader, decades-long national debate. Some argue it aligns with certain family values and protects childhood innocence. However, public health experts have consistently raised concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has repeatedly found that states with abstinence-focused policies often have higher-than-average rates of teen pregnancy and STIs.

The gap between policy and real-world adolescent health outcomes has fueled a growing movement for change. Recently, Florida has seen legislative pushes to modernize its approach. Most notably, the “Let’s Talk Sex Ed” bill has been introduced, aiming to require curriculum that is comprehensive, age-appropriate, and medically accurate. While such bills have yet to become law, they signal a shifting political and parental consciousness.

The perspectives of students like Obed and Samuel are perhaps the most compelling argument for reevaluation. They are the demographic most directly impacted by the curriculum, or lack thereof. Their expressive concerns about health, responsibility, and preparedness underscore a gap they feel between their education and their realities. 

Florida lawmakers continue to grapple with this deeply personal yet public health-critical issue; the voices of those sitting in today’s classrooms may be the most important ones to hear. 

They are not asking for permission to be active; they are asking for the knowledge to be safe, responsible, and informed, whether they choose abstinence or not. The question for Florida is whether its schools will continue a legacy of silence or begin a new chapter of empowered education.