For years, the question "Should schools teach sex education?" was requested in American households; and many families agreed that they would prefer that schools not teach sex education to their children. In every region of the country, some families believe that money should not fund sex education, especially funds dedicated to public education, because it is "a duty of parents." However, the question remains why people do not discuss sexuality with their children and whether this lack of communication between child and parent affects the child's future. This lack of communication has been proven by studies to be harmful to the lifestyles and well-being of members of society. The importance of family involvement and communication in sex 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 parent-child sex education effectively reduces premature sexual activity and rates of STIs. The debate over what should be taught to children is another matter; as is, how much of this 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 can learn about HIV/AIDS, but not about other sexually transmitted infections or how to prevent pregnancy. In other states, like Washington, teens are given information about everything from birth control pills to homosexuality. However, this once again raises the question of who should educate these children about sexuality and how to do it. The family unit has been shown to be a determining factor...... middle of 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 religiosity, sex education, and parental factors with sexual behaviors at risk Among adolescents and young adults. " Journal of Religion and Health. 49.4 (2010): 460-472. Print. McCarty-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 ideals of sexual abstinence, religiosity and Alcohol Abstinence: a longitudinal study of Finnish twins. " Journal of Sex Research 51.2 (2014): 197-207. Academic research completed. Internet. March 1. 2014.