For years the question “Should schools teach sex education?” has been asked in American families; and many families agreed that they would prefer schools not to teach sex education to their children. In every region of the country, there are families who believe that money should not fund sex education, especially public education funds, because this is “a parent's duty.” However, the question remains: why people don't discuss sex with their children and whether this lack of communication between child and parent affects the child's future. Studies have shown that this lack of communication is detrimental to the lifestyle and well-being of members of society. The importance of family involvement and communication in sexuality education should be emphasized to reduce future risks of sexually transmitted infections, prolonged psychological trauma, or confusion in the United States. Studies have shown that sex education among parents and children shows progress in decreasing premature sexual activity and STI rates. The debate over what children should be taught is another issue; as it is, how much of that information should be taught. Currently, eighteen states and the District of Columbia require schools to provide sex education, and thirty-two do not. In some states, such as Louisiana, students may learn about HIV/AIDS, but not other sexually transmitted infections or how to prevent pregnancy. In other states, such as Washington, teens receive information about everything from birth control pills to homosexuality. However, this once again raises the question of who should educate these children about sex and how to do it. The family unit has been shown to be a f... focus of the paper ......y Adolescent Sexual Behavior." Journal Of School Health 83.11 (2013): 810-817. Academic research completed. Web. February 28, 2014. Haglund, Kristin A. “The Association of Religion, Sexuality Education, and Parental Factors with Risky Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents and Young Adults.” Journal of Religion and Health -Caplan, David Milo. “Schools, sex education, and support for sexual minorities: Exploring historical marginalization and future potential. " American Journal Of Sexuality Education 8.4 (2013): 246-273. Academic research completed. Web. February 19, 2014. Winter, Torsten, Sakari Karvonen, and Richard J. Rose. "Associations Between Sexual Abstinence Ideals, Religiosity, and Alcohol Abstinence: a longitudinal study of Finnish twins." Journal of Sex Research 51.2 (2014): 197-207. Academic research completed. Network. March 1. 2014.