It's all about abstinence. At least, that's what the Silver Ring Thing movement is teaching teenagers in the United States. More and more young people are pledging themselves to abstinence programs--saying no to sex before marriage. Established in 1995, the Silver Ring Thing is a faith-based organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's one of hundreds of abstinence movements across America that promote self-restraint rather than sex education.
This film tells the story of the kids who take the Silver Ring Thing on the road, organizing rallies and events to spread the word. Teenagers attending the events pay $12. In return, they get a bible and silver ring. The ring is to be worn as a constant reminder of their pledge to remain virgins until marriage. The movement is also part-funded by the federal government. President Bush himself is a strong supporter of abstinence programs. In some schools in the US, abstinence is now taught instead of sex education. But will it mean that a generation of kids are learning about sex from the street and the media, rather than in the classroom?
Spotlight is a weekly series of investigative reports from around the world, introduced by author and Journalist Mark Hertsgaard. Mr. Hertsgaard’s latest book is “The Eagle's Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World."
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Spotlight Related Websites:
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States
The Union of Concerned Scientists study, “Scientific Knowledge on Abstinence-Only Education”
The American Civil Liberties Union on Reproductive Freedom
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