Program Info & FAQs
Below we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions. Feel free to get in touch if you have a question that hasn’t been asked before, and be sure to review our I Decide For Me Overview Flyer.
What is the I Decide For Me program about?
I Decide For Me is a sexual risk avoidance curriculum teaching students that avoiding taking sexual risks is the healthiest lifestyle choice. For more detailed information on each level of the program, please visit those specific pages: 6th Grade program, 8th Grade program, and High School program.
What are the foundational values of the I Decide For Me program?
Click here to find out: Foundation Values
How does the I Decide For Me (IDFM) program define sex?
Our definition of sexual activity in the IDFM 6th grade program is: Any voluntary activity which involves any area of one person’s body coming into contact with the private areas of another’s. Private areas are defined as areas of the body we cover at the beach.
The definition of sexual activity in the IDFM 8th grade program is: Physical contact between individuals involving intimate/private areas of the body that can potentially result in pregnancy, STDs/STIs and/or emotional harm. This includes activities such as oral sex, anal sex, mutual masturbation AND intercourse.
The definition of sexual activity in the IDFM High School program is: Physical contact between individuals involving intimate/private areas of the body that can potentially result in pregnancy, STDs/STIs and/or emotional harm. This includes activities such as oral sex, anal sex, mutual masturbation AND intercourse.
Also, specifically in the middle and high school programs, we teach the concept of Secondary abstinence; meaning simply because a person may have already made a consensual choice to be sexually active, he/she can always make a new, fresh choice to remain sexually abstinent from any point forward. This gives sexually active students the opportunity to make a fresh commitment to making the healthiest lifestyle choice.
What is a “Go-To" adult the programs refer students to seek?
Parental/Guardian involvement is a primary goal of our programming.
Studies show students are far more likely to make healthy life choices when they have open and honest conversations with adults they trust. Because not every student lives with his/her biological parent we lead students through activities to help them identify adults in their lives with whom they can “Go To” with questions and concerns they have. Thus the term, “Go-To adult.”
- Go-To adults should have 2 qualities:
- An adult (over 21 years old) making healthy choices and independent decisions
- An adult you are able to spend time with on a regular basis who has the student’s best interest at heart
We encourage students to have continual dialogue with their “Go-To Adult” who will lead and guide them toward healthy behaviors.
The IDFM program often discusses equipping ourselves to avoid high-risk health behaviors, but admits all humans may make choices we regret. This mindset strengthens the student’s capacity to consider we are all imperfect and does not disqualify fallible adults as who they should go to for further discussions on important life topics. We hope this strengthens the parent/child relationship. For tips on talking to your student about delicate health topics, whether you made healthy choices yourself or not, click here.
Why does the I Decide For Me (IDFM) program use the standard of marriage for the healthiest boundary for sexual activity?
The standard of marriage is used as the healthiest lifestyle choice for sexual activity because data points to marriage as the safest boundary for sexual activity. We emphasize that sexual activity can be positive and healthy in marriage. Sexual activity within marriage minimizes the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases and is the healthiest relationship for child-rearing. All of Clarity’s programs emphasize the standards of the best, healthiest choices as every person deserves to hold the best, healthiest standards for themselves.
Also, IDFM was originally authored to compliment the Indiana State Standard, as outlined by Indiana’s Code 20-30-5-13 which states,
“Throughout instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases, an accredited school shall: (1) require a teacher to teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age children; (2) include in the instruction that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems; and (3) include in the instruction that the best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and other associated health problems is to establish a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage.”
http://iga.in.gov/static-documents/2/e/6/6/2e661a52/TITLE20_AR30_ch5.pdf
Why is the I Decide For Me (IDFM) program being presented in schools?
While it is true some schools already implement human growth and development programs, many educators feel more comfortable partnering with another organization to provide evidence-based curriculum to cover human sexuality. It is common that a school district may make a decision to implement the IDFM program to cover the Educational Standards for Human Growth and Development and/or Health. I Decide For Me was originally authored to compliment the Indiana State Standard, as outlined by Indiana’s Code 20-30-5-13 which states,
“Throughout instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases, an accredited school shall: (1) require a teacher to teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age children; (2) include in the instruction that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems; and (3) include in the instruction that the best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and other associated health problems is to establish a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage.”
https://iga.in.gov/static-documents/2/e/6/6/2e661a52/TITLE20_AR30_ch5.pdf
Is my child ready for curriculum addressing human sexuality?
Every student matures at a different rate. And while human sexuality may not be on the radar of your student, he/she is certainly surrounded by peers who are talking about the topic.
I Decide For Me 6th grade has been in school for the past 8 years. We have received feedback from countless students who had made decisions about sexual activity prior to participating in this program. These same students are no doubt riding the bus or having lunch with your student.
We understand that this is a delicate topic and have strived to keep our teaching material age-appropriate. Our desire is to protect the innocence of the students while arming them with truth so they can make the best, healthiest choices possible.
How do I communicate about sexuality with my child?
Here are two resources that may be helpful for you in communicating with your child:
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