Abstinence education teaches teens how to say "no" to sexual activity and the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and how to say "yes" to their future health and happiness. Abstinence education programs offer a wide range of services including health curricula, training for teachers, classroom presentations, assembly speakers and parent education. Programs offer a holistic approach to teen health, including information on:
goal setting
self-esteem
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV
teen pregnancy
refusal skills
relationship skills
how alcohol and other drug use affect sexual decision making
setting limits in relationships
Abstinence education is also in compliance with the Illinois School Code on Sex Education and the federal guidelines for abstinence education.
