Sex education has been a difficult subject for families and school systems in the past few decades. Debates continue to rage over whether safe sex practices or abstinence should be taught, whether schools should teach sex education or let families address the issue, and at what age certain information is appropriate. These disagreements lend themselves to the idea that there are right and wrong ways to approach talking to children about sex. Although right and wrong is often defined by one's perspective, there are some potential drawbacks that all parents hope to avoid. Education not a reliable prevention method Sex education has become a hot topic in recent years, but for all the efforts made to curb sex among children and unsafe sex practices, sex continues to become a more common practice among children. According to a report in "Time" magazine, more than 27 percent of 15-year-old girls in the US have had sexual intercourse, an increase from 19 percent in 1982. For male 15-year-olds, the current rate is more than 1 in 3. In addition, 61 percent of sexually active teenage girls have had multiple partners, an increase from 38 percent in 1971. The same "Time" report mentioned that 71 percent of parents instruct their children to wait until they are older before having sex, and more than 50 percent recommend children wait until marriage. These statistics are used by some individuals and groups to show that ramping up discussion and education on sex practices--whether from parents or otherwise--does not guarantee reduced rates of sexual activity in children. Conversation could embarrass your child Parents can easily mishandle conversations with their children and make communicating and educating much more difficult. One of the most common ways this can occur is if the parent fails to create a safe environment in which children feel free to discuss their views and ask questions. HealthyChildren.org recommends parents seek out teachable moments and begin conversation by asking their children what they know about sex, making sure to keep the tone friendly, comforting and non-aggressive. Behaviors that could lead to a negative response from the child and make education more difficult include laughing or giggling at questions posed by your child, or appearing excessively serious or embarrassed. Long or overly complex answers or discussions can be tedious and exhausting to the child, and failing to listen or answer a child's questions fully can leave her with an inadequate education. Children may feel more sexually adventurous There are approaches to sex education that could have an unwanted affect--while the parent may seek to instill safe sex practices to guard against worst-case scenarios, the children may ultimately feel more comfortable with the idea of sex. Additionally, over-education may teach children more than is necessary for the experiences and knowledge they have at a given age. According to an American author cited by the "Daily Mail," a parent's personal approval or disapproval of sex--regardless of the education being provided--can help persuade a child in the same direction, if these views are expressed to the child. An adolescent whose parents have expressed their disapproval of premarital sex is less likely to have sex, but parents who are accepting of teenage sex or don't condemn the practice are more likely to have sexually active teenagers.