Jackson County’s teen birth rate is higher than the teen birth rates in Europe, Mexico, the United States, Georgia and surrounding counties.
Although most Jackson County adults (88 percent) feel that unmarried teens should not be sexually active, 70 percent of students in the local schools are sexually active by their senior year.
In addition to teen pregnancy, young people are at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections like HIV. A recent CDC study found that one in four girls have a sexually transmitted disease. To make matters worse, 38 percent of all sexually active high school students in Jackson County have already had three or more partners.
The community overwhelmingly supports more education and services for young people to prevent teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, according to a recent survey. The study by the Northeast Health District found that the majority of Jackson County residents (87 percent) believe that sexually active teens should be using birth control, however only a quarter (26 percent) believe the community as a whole would support this. In addition, the survey found that 90 percent of residents support more education in the schools on how to prevent pregnancy in the first place including information on both abstinence and birth control.
Teens surveyed said that parents are the biggest influence in their decision about sex and yet a quarter of students in Jackson County (26 percent) feel the adults in their lives do not spend enough time talking to them about important issues such as alcohol, drugs, sex, personal feelings or problems.
These numbers were taken from the Community Opinion Survey (2007), GA Vital Statistics (2005), Jackson County School District BART Report (2004), the CDC (STD information), National Campaign To Prevent Teen Pregnancy (2006 With One Voice National Survey).
Those hypocrites who are afraid of the work SEX and keep it from being discussed freely, or educating their children openly and,
Those who don't care if their child is having sex, or is being molested, or unmarried. This category comes from the Jerry Springer bunch on the West side.
#1 ABSTINANCE is not being taught in the average home or school!!
(I am not afraid of the word SEX and neither is my Pastor) I however I teaching my children that Sex is intended for marriage.
#2. Most peoples pathetic excuse was "well they are going to do it anyways so lets teach them how safely"
I do not claim that for my children. I will love them unconditionaly. I will not label them as going to anyways children.
#3.I heard more of a concern for sexual transmitted disease and Jackson County residents having to take care of these children when they are born.
Children are a gift from GOD no matter how they get here!!
#4. I do not think the school has a right to hand out condoms!!
#5. We need to teach these teens the affects of sex before marriage. There is so much that is not taught. Like that sex is never as great when you get married if you had pre martial sex. When you get married if you had other sexual relationships you are bringing those into your marriage. You LOSE A PART OF YOU with everyone you have sex WITH!!
I have 2 teenage boys and one daughter 12 I refuse to assume that they are going to have sex before marriage.
I choose to believe they will make better choices if given the correct information!!
We sat on the sofa in our home and talked for over an hour. It was like that for my children and I. I see it needs to be that way for some kids and their parents in this county. Talking to the children is only part of the problem, but listening is even a bigger issue. They need parents not friends, to many parents try to hard to be friends with their children and not parents. You can be both if you handle it properly. Be open, be honest, be careful, be thoughtful, be diligent, and always, always be there for the kids. You can't be to busy to listen, to talk when they need you on their schedule not yours. It is really hard growing up these days and only getting harder, parents should play a major role in the up bringing of the kids. I see a lot of parents that also need to do some soul searching and grow up them selves, being the adult in every situation that arises. Best of luck to all of you I will pray for you all as my family is grown and on their own. Thnak the good Lord!