This is in response to the letter from Cecile J. Hecker (July 1) about sex education. I am a 16-year-old high school student who is very happy to have had sex education in the classroom.

In the fifth grade, I learned about my own bodily functions, and up to sophomore year, I have been taught methods of birth control, including abstinence.

What shocks me is that sex education is considered “gross” and a “grave, moral evil.” What is so evil about my knowing how my body works? About knowing how to prevent HIV and STDs?

Sex education doesn’t make children sexually active; children make children sexually active.

I don’t want to have sex because I learned around what age I would get my period, I want to have sex when I feel that I am ready and with someone I trust and love.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the parents shouldn’t get involved, too, but I don’t think sex education should be limited to the parents. If school and family were to work together, they could thoroughly educate children to ensure they make the right decisions when, or if, they choose to have sex.

Coral Howe, Dixfield