Abstinence-only sex education teaches children to abstain from sex as the primary method of avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. In the U.S., the specific principles are outlined in the Social Security Act:
Abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage is the expected standard for all school age children
Abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out of wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems
A mutually faithful, monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of sexual activity
Sexual activity outside the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects
Bearing children out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child’s parents, and society
How to reject sexual advances and that alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances
The importance of attaining self sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity