April 2008 PMID 18346659

Abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy.

Pamela K Kohler, Lisa E Manhart, William E Lafferty

Mentions

100
Peak: 6 in Mar 2021
across 5 sources since Jan 2020

Extended reach

109,626
potential audience

Total likes

147

Video views

3,476

Mentions per month

Jan 2020 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter49 posts
  • News35 articles
  • Blogs8 articles
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Facebook4 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions consistently support comprehensive sex education by citing multiple studies and official sources, contrasting it with abstinence-only approaches, which are described as ineffective or even harmful. The tone reflects a serious concern for teen health and policy efficacy, using phrases such as 'proven to lower teen pregnancy' and 'studies have repeatedly shown,' conveying both urgency and confidence in the findings.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly agree that comprehensive sex education is more effective than abstinence-only programs, citing studies and official data.

InterestHigh interest

Posts are highly engaged and show strong interest by referencing detailed research findings and policy implications, indicating concern for teen health outcomes.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many comments delve into statistical evidence, policy debates, and personal opinions, demonstrating deep engagement with the topic.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions emphasize significant implications for public health policy and education practices, highlighting the substantial influence of the findings.

Abstract in brief

  • Comprehensive sex education is linked to a significant reduction in teen pregnancy rates among adolescents aged 15-19, while abstinence-only education shows no significant effect.
  • Neither abstinence-only nor comprehensive sex education significantly decrease the likelihood of adolescents reporting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Teaching about contraception does not increase the risk of engaging in sexual activity or contracting STDs, and comprehensive education may marginally lower the likelihood of teens engaging in vaginal intercourse.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Kate Jones
@Tryn2BKind · X

@ChudsOfTikTok @Moms4Liberty Not only that, but comprehensive sex ed has shown to significantly reduce teen pregnancy when compared to abstinence-only curricula. https://t.co/yqDeE2btEE

Jun 19, 2023 · 64 likes · 1 share · 3,781 followers View post →
Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
@Mitchell_AB · X

And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1. https://t.co/EoGQjSI0OQ 2. https://t.co/O6YKWt0yzy 3. https://t.co/0U835B7qS3 4. https://t.co/aM1aU0sp6v And many more... #ableg #abed #sexeducation #ucp https://t.co/qSrqYjtWtr

Mar 29, 2021 · 14 likes · 6 shares · 6,676 followers View post →
Soursass
@SourSecularist · X

@BaboonJHC Abstinence-only education doesn't work, my guy Again, its comically easy to find all the stats for this Suck it up and pick a different hill to flounder on (Seriously, 2 seconds googling: https://t.co/t48R0ILMwH https://t.co/Vx0aL44dJG)

Jun 23, 2022 · 5 likes · 27 followers View post →
NullSci
@Nullsci1 · X

Especially since abstinence-only sex ed, as some people in the comments want, is not good. Sex ed that teaches other methods of safe sex besides abstinence is associated with lower teen pregnancies and lower sexual activity https://t.co/ydbIKbZLek https://t.co/hZOW3YiVVO https://t.co/mi0wxHcIyA

Mar 8, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,839 followers View post →
Libuse: FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
@Libuse_Carodej · X

@Scottergate @DeansJules It does, in fact, fail. "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education." https://t.co/1AUIUrufvW

Dec 17, 2023 · 3 likes · 618 followers View post →
Libuse: FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
@Libuse_Carodej · X

@lucky_penny123 @Michell33650674 "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education." https://t.co/1AUIUrufvW

Dec 17, 2023 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 618 followers View post →

All mentions

Understanding Comprehensive Sex Education

This video discusses the importance of comprehensive sex education, highlighting developmental guidelines and addressing adolescent sexual health knowledge. It includes insights from recent reports and research on the…

Maddie Asrat · Apr 22, 2021 375 views
John Doe
@ScrollerPriv · X

@TheRealTohm @MAGACult2 "The data tells us that yields better outcomes" No. It doesn't. Abstinence only sex education is proven to be linked to higher rates of teen pregnancy and std transmission than comprehensive sex education. https://t.co/RaoIQDODkK.

May 28, 2025 · 3 followers View post →
That Stubborn Woman
@Nana72206 · X

@BumpstockBarbie @Prolife_Texan__ https://t.co/z0MFbxBLxn

Mar 9, 2025 · 425 followers View post →
Rey_Rey0099
@Rey_Rey0099 · X

@parkerbobarker @Zaphod_2022a @KSLcom https://t.co/8ynvd25AtK

Jan 27, 2025 · 257 followers View post →
Drew LeMmon
@AlphaLemon94 · X

@JoelWBerry https://t.co/tlrFxRcKaY

Oct 9, 2024 · 37 followers View post →
CamelliaSScholl
@CamelliaSScholl · X

@riffle_ron @masonmennenga turns out teaching abstinence only is as bad as doing nothing https://t.co/Kbr1mSseEq makes sense, teens don't want to obey grown-ups, but when they know the risks they can usually make a good decision on their own

Oct 8, 2024 · 1 like · 145 followers View post →
akimfur.bsky.social
@NotAkimFur · X

@XR47P Studies have repeatedly proven that safe-sex education is much more successful than abstinence-only education https://t.co/lgPPnwtEON

Mar 18, 2024 · 602 followers View post →
cybermom1999
@cybermom1999 · X

@jkwehrman @Prolife_Texan__ This one https://t.co/tD3EutYjdM under "Results"

Mar 12, 2024 · 933 followers View post →
jonelle w
@jkwehrman · X

@cybermom1999 @Prolife_Texan__ https://t.co/1HOLJTlpQF

Mar 12, 2024 · 40 followers View post →
Gynarchic Awakening
@Gynarchist32 · X

RT @Libuse_Carodej: @lucky_penny123 @Michell33650674 "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy th…

Dec 17, 2023 · 2 shares · 411 followers View post →
bye
@AtEaseCoaching · X

RT @Libuse_Carodej: @lucky_penny123 @Michell33650674 "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy th…

Dec 17, 2023 · 2 shares · 6,048 followers View post →
Libuse: FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
@Libuse_Carodej · X

@lucky_penny123 @Michell33650674 "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education." https://t.co/1AUIUrufvW

Dec 17, 2023 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 618 followers View post →
Libuse: FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA
@Libuse_Carodej · X

@Scottergate @DeansJules It does, in fact, fail. "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education." https://t.co/1AUIUrufvW

Dec 17, 2023 · 3 likes · 618 followers View post →
Byron -
@ByronBiDisaster · X

@Mug_of_Gasoline @halftwottered @IrishTimes https://t.co/buyZktR2I9

Jul 13, 2023 · 1,012 followers View post →
Jules
@S69Jules · X

@JeremyTate41 https://t.co/yZ6k4wsmJZ

Jun 24, 2023 · 105 followers View post →
Czernobog Dadbod
@CzernobogDadbod · X

RT @Tryn2BKind: @ChudsOfTikTok @Moms4Liberty Not only that, but comprehensive sex ed has shown to significantly reduce teen pregnancy when…

Jun 19, 2023 · 1 share · 296 followers View post →
Kate Jones
@Tryn2BKind · X

@ChudsOfTikTok @Moms4Liberty Not only that, but comprehensive sex ed has shown to significantly reduce teen pregnancy when compared to abstinence-only curricula. https://t.co/yqDeE2btEE

Jun 19, 2023 · 64 likes · 1 share · 3,781 followers View post →
Wildfur Angelplumes
@AstoundingAmmy · X

@DissidentSlav @GoingMyWay0102 @sewkzz @SchopsShop @loganclarkhall https://t.co/L7WMp4puod. https://t.co/lnjOQqk4xG https://t.co/2nSDzbo2Gr https://t.co/EtHVUn68s7 I can do this all day

Jun 12, 2023 · 55 followers View post →
Magnanimous Platypus
@MGMSfoxes · X

@NitaCRNA @DemocratPrudent @MollyJongFast Source https://t.co/hDEQAbqAQn,(OR(adj)%20%3D%20.

Jun 11, 2023 · 2 likes · 227 followers View post →
Brent Slade
@leftbrarian · X

@ATChaisson @LordMoe74 @NLTeachersAssoc @TrentLangdonNL @GSDSIC You like kids having sex younger, and prefer them to be easy victims of grooming, do you? Classic projection! https://t.co/WGfaPUl48P https://t.co/BACOsEL9bp https://t.co/9oU93mJnZn https://t.co/z6NtC0HvG0 https://t.co/6pOH68hlJX

Jun 9, 2023 · 462 followers View post →
Nero ⁉️
@NeroKlla · X

@Tusko_d @ZakeryJossey @LeratoMannya Yup! Just did a final paper on this so I have plenty https://t.co/SVEgbc6NCh https://t.co/keu0VAO17Q https://t.co/BCfjbO3myo

Apr 20, 2023 · 3 likes · 243 followers View post →
Phyllis Dietrichson
@HarKar17 · X

@Shellieh98 @Vstylez @laurenboebert "Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education." https://t.co/evwqvxkuDx https://t.co/mWosc8IbLf

Mar 13, 2023 · 112 followers View post →
Desi Rosethorne
@Esorised · X

@NataliaCoronada @hotboychina @Lateshamgr @DschlopesIsBack @theprism89 @JoeBiden https://t.co/7TVbSCtIZN

Mar 1, 2023 · 1 like · 188 followers View post →
Desi Rosethorne
@Esorised · X

@NataliaCoronada @hotboychina @Lateshamgr @DschlopesIsBack @theprism89 @JoeBiden That's from Heritage, which is a conservative think tank that has skewed articles and untrue facts. This is from a government website, with actual facts. https://t.co/7TVbSCtIZN https://t.co/5k4xLdDkqv

Mar 1, 2023 · 2 likes · 188 followers View post →
some Twit​ter nerd
@gcc_hellscape · X

@NalderJacob @AuronMacintyre https://t.co/I1jGeQ9uRu Results: Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education were significantly less likely to report teen pregnancy (OR(adj) = .4, 95% CI = .22- .69, p = .001) than those who received no formal sex education …

Feb 5, 2023 · 1 like · 222 followers View post →
Curious Outsider
@I_Have_Qstns · X

@_freddyyork @fridayjams @Timcast Well good luck to you. You are not fostering a safer environment for kids, simply showing your lack of ability to think seriously on this. One last link, read the results of what APPROPRIATE education can do. https://t.co/3E3BIYqvLM

Dec 2, 2022 · 44 followers View post →
Sandtrap
@Slippy_Sally · X

@blasphemy3119 @KyleNumber @Seagull69143306 @JedediahBila @MSNBC "Results: Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education were significantly less likely to report teen pregnancy than those who received no formal sex education, whereas there was no significant effect of abstinence-only education" https://t.co/AgfzPOlZjh

Nov 1, 2022 · 98 followers View post →
Jack Forge
@Jack_Forge13 · X

@AntiHateNetwrk @JosephPoulin175 @OblivionVortex @bettkink @annateresa79 @KathrynTewson It's no lie. https://t.co/MZLCaOCYcP https://t.co/AstgZAYRkw https://t.co/5N5NhmTqcf "In contrast comprehensive sex education programs were significantly associated with reduced risk of teen pregnancy, whether compared with no sex education or with abstinence-only sex education"

Oct 11, 2022 · 1 like · 832 followers View post →
Charlotte Sullivan-Swain
@cmeansfree · X

@HeCarriesMe_ @PGRodriguez80 @Cindi1Shorty @LifeNewsHQ @ighaworth Here's evidence against AO-education, including the fact that AO-ed increases teen pregnancies and STIs: 1. https://t.co/oTd5TxnFQQ 2. https://t.co/VpR1TTEuF1 3. https://t.co/4jhvUNZX6x 4. https://t.co/FqjhyaSh9H 5. https://t.co/nmIyzqAKBl

Jul 25, 2022 · 147 followers View post →
JadedTrekkie
@JadedTrekkie · X

@allan_ski2 @POTUS Oh no! Free contraceptives! Almost like it’s a medical necessity because teaching abstinence does not work. Read the abstract, under “results”. https://t.co/zMx2GPWh2p

Jul 22, 2022 · 1 like · 12 followers View post →
Una cuenta Mas
@mejorasinomas · X

@OmarManuRod @ChrisGa1999 https://t.co/S8N247HPK6 https://t.co/wKD1kQRubM

Jul 3, 2022 · 116 followers View post →
Soursass
@SourSecularist · X

@BaboonJHC Abstinence-only education doesn't work, my guy Again, its comically easy to find all the stats for this Suck it up and pick a different hill to flounder on (Seriously, 2 seconds googling: https://t.co/t48R0ILMwH https://t.co/Vx0aL44dJG)

Jun 23, 2022 · 5 likes · 27 followers View post →
Mateusz Rybus
@Aboyne163030 · X

@dystansowany @KLubnauer @Nowoczesna @bbudka @barbaraanowacka @adamSzlapka @WZembaczynski @NewsPlatforma @Leszczyna @moanrosa @kr_szumilas @gajewska_kinga https://t.co/TYQQBJ28q0 Konsekwentna edukacja seksualna oznacza mniej nastoletnich ciąży, mniej zrujnowanych żyć i mniej chorób przenoszonych drogami płciowymi.

May 17, 2022 · 14 followers View post →
Ryan
@RyanLCornwell · X

Abstinence only education is ineffective to stopping teen pregnancy and STDs. Abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education and the initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy https://t.co/PmwZof43fw

May 7, 2022 · 9 followers View post →
iced tea with honey
@momomoq_q · X

@reneepolivia @McAfee06207584 @seecalhen @DaSkrubKing @charliekirk11 Now let's compare Comprehensive Sex Ed to Abstinence only sex ed: https://t.co/yNAHBTXbNw Conclusions: Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education.

May 7, 2022 · 87 followers View post →
Lady Unicorn EJG
@ladyunicornejg · X

@shiagi @PhilosoShy @unvarnishedvoid Another. Abstinence only didn't even do better at preventing pregnancy than *no* sex ed at all here. https://t.co/ujH4ulrR4V

Apr 11, 2022 · 1 like · 462 followers View post →
@shanman150.bsky.social
@cshanahan151 · X

@JohnWidman3 @greatredbrangus @AngelEyesNYC @HazzardCoEng @mkolken @benshapiro That goes poorly in practice. Comprehensive sex ed results in lower teen pregnancy when compared to abstinence only and no formal sex ed in school. It also may reduce incidences of underage sex (marginally significant) while abstinence only had no effect. https://t.co/XUyq8okObv

Apr 6, 2022 · 72 followers View post →
NullSci
@Nullsci1 · X

Especially since abstinence-only sex ed, as some people in the comments want, is not good. Sex ed that teaches other methods of safe sex besides abstinence is associated with lower teen pregnancies and lower sexual activity https://t.co/ydbIKbZLek https://t.co/hZOW3YiVVO https://t.co/mi0wxHcIyA

Mar 8, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,839 followers View post →
bam (she/them)
@frecklefaced · X

@bgrudder @GovernorTomWolf It’s your opinion that life begins at conception, so why not teach comprehensive sex education? It’s well proven that abstinence focused sex education does nothing to decrease teenage pregnancy or lower abortion rates. https://t.co/fD7dOQAHtC

Jan 20, 2022 · 215 followers View post →
Evan
@mister_harder · X

@Tracymh1974 @feminemi1y Here's another, different, similarly in-depth statistical analysis that focuses on abstinence-only sex ed: https://t.co/1GuLY07cWc

Nov 8, 2021 · 2 likes · 414 followers View post →
۟
@MKIVGTI · X

@Maeyerch @dumbgoblinbaby @CODEXODUS1 @4chanGreentxts Unpleasant life lessons like the fact that sex exists? Also kids who get taught “safe sex” have been measured to have lower rates of teen pregnancies versus abstinence only so it seems like its working pretty well, not sure the issue https://t.co/d08BnnkNPT

Oct 28, 2021 · 101 followers View post →
Dr Vian Aziz
@VIANAZIZFRCOGUK · X

But researchers at the University of Washington found that comprehensive sex education was associated with a 50% lower risk of teen pregnancy compared to an abstinence-only program. https://t.co/ZxIk30fji7

Sep 28, 2021 · 1 like · 57,235 followers View post →
theMadTechnologist
@LightIsDarkSqrd · X

@patriot6685 @slothzill4 @GavinNewsom You're right, the truth does hurt: Teens who have had Comprehensive sex education report fewer pregnancies than those under "Abstinence only" education. https://t.co/F8LKkbwzgF

Sep 1, 2021 · 46 followers View post →
Amielle C
@amiechristo · X

RT @Mitchell_AB: And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1.…

Mar 29, 2021 · 6 shares · 318 followers View post →
MissKatsuragi
@misskatsuragi · X

RT @Mitchell_AB: And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1.…

Mar 29, 2021 · 6 shares · 5,291 followers View post →
AB against UCP
@AB_AgainstUCP · X

RT @Mitchell_AB: And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1.…

Mar 29, 2021 · 6 shares · 9,037 followers View post →
Lise Gotell
@LiseGot · X

RT @Mitchell_AB: And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1.…

Mar 29, 2021 · 6 shares · 5,475 followers View post →
Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
@Mitchell_AB · X

And teaching abstinence is the most effective way to make no change in teen pregnancy rates, or worse, increase them. 1. https://t.co/EoGQjSI0OQ 2. https://t.co/O6YKWt0yzy 3. https://t.co/0U835B7qS3 4. https://t.co/aM1aU0sp6v And many more... #ableg #abed #sexeducation #ucp https://t.co/qSrqYjtWtr

Mar 29, 2021 · 14 likes · 6 shares · 6,676 followers View post →
Daniel
@Makeshift_quill · X

@CCanuck4 @renaissancezoee https://t.co/FSvrOFUdpq

Mar 1, 2021 · 272 followers View post →
Gazarini, L.
@Lgazarini · X

@sonivaldojsilva @carolmoreira3 "Teaching about contraception was not associated with increased risk of adolescent sexual activity or STD. Adolescents who received comprehensive sex education had a lower risk of pregnancy than adolescents who received abstinence-only or no sex education" https://t.co/a91caPhT8d

Jan 24, 2020 · 208 followers View post →