<p>“I’m not convinced that there is such an epidemic of teens (or anyone) playing risky bondage games that the needed corrective is giving high school students information about BDSM and sex toys - or that, to the extent that these problems do exist, that they couldn’t be addressed in more general discussions of safety and consent.”</p>
<p>I mean, bondage is pretty much the most common kink out there. Just because they’re teenagers (or actually, especially because they’re teenagers) people have to be realistic that good ol missionary is not the only thing people are going to try. Is it a huge epidemic among 14 year olds? No, but 17 year olds? FOR SURE. And I’d much rather have them learn about safety and consent <em>before</em> they actually start to get into that stuff.</p>
<p>I don’t think anyone is talking about “irreparable physical harm” but rather enthusiastic consent, understanding boundaries, feeling safe and secure, and related emotional/psychological topics. Is it THE most urgent, relevant, crucial thing to be teaching students? No, but it’s just one small part of a comprehensive book. </p>
<p>And to the point of “Kink is not a necessary component of healthy sexuality.” What does necessity have to do with anything? If it’s happening, it’s happening. Teenagers are not going to want to experiment with something kinky but then say “actually, we don’t <em>need</em> this to complete sexual intercourse.” </p>
<p>And to whoever said sex ed should be limited to reproduction and “perhaps contraception”…yeesh. Yes, perhaps contraception.</p>