“Fewer U.S. Teens Report Being Sexually Active.”  That’s the headline today from Reuters Health based on a 10-year study just published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.  Indeed from 1992 – 2002, there was a dramatic decline in the number of teens having sex.

For example, in 1992, 56 percent of girls and 61 percent of boys 15 to 19 years old claimed to have had sex.  In 2002, those percentages dropped to 47 percent of girls and 46 percent of boys (as shown by data compiled by the National Survey of Family Growth).

What was one of the reasons cited for this decline?  Parents who consistently set the standard of sexual abstinence at home!  In fact, look at any survey of teens when asked whom they look to first and foremost for direction on any issue (including sex) and the overwhelming response is their parents.

That’s why parents must be the #1 director in their teens’ lives.  I believe it’s our job as parents to set the boundaries.  It’s our teens’ job to test those boundaries!  It’s our job to keep them within those boundaries.  And deep down inside, where do you think most teens really want to be in the first place?  They want to be within the boundaries.

But what do we often hear from our teens when we set them?  How about, “Oh mom!” or “Oh dad.”  Or the worst of all, they roll their eyes at us.  Well parents, have you ever considered what your teens are really saying to you when they roll their eyes?  They are saying, “Mom, dad, I’m listening to everything you tell me.  I just don’t want you to know it right now because I’m a teenager!”

That’s why in this culture, it is essential that parents speak the truth to their teens, saying it as simply as possible, and saying it over and over again.  If parents choose otherwise, they will abandon their role as #1 director in their teens’ lives, leaving them to a culture telling them over and over to “go for it” regarding sex.

So parents, let me encourage you to hang in there!  Today more than any other, you must set a standard for sexual abstinence until marriage in the lives of your teenagers.  You need to take every opportunity to talk with them about why that standard is best.  And when you do, if they roll their eyes at you….smile!  That means you’re connecting!

I constantly remind my two teenagers, “You can roll your eyes at me all you want, but as your dad, I will always direct you in the right standard to follow.  I will always tell you the truth.”  It amazes me how often they still come to me (or their mom) with questions seeking direction on any given subject.  They know we will tell them the truth and direct them in the way they should go.  They trust us and that’s why they keep coming to us.

Yes, many times they will roll their eyes or say, “I knew that’s what you would tell me.  I’ve heard it a million times!”  Each time they say that to me I just smile because I know I connected!  And as they walk away, my response is always, “And you’ll hear it a million more times because I love you and I don’t want to see you get hurt!!”  Interesting how they still keep coming back for more!

The biggest mistake parents make with their teens is abdicating their directorship just to be their teenager’s “buddy.”  If there is one thing I’ve learned from teenagers is they are not the least bit interested in their parents being their “buddy.”  They can find all the buddies they want at school.  They are looking to their parents to be their PARENTS – to set the right standards and boundaries at home and give them the direction they are desperately searching for when they roll their eyes!

So again, hang in there mom and dad.  Your teenagers are depending on you.  Yes you are connecting when you hear the “Oh mom or dad!”  And when you speak the truth to them, saying it as simply as possible and saying it over and over again, you will be the best friend your teenagers every had!  Later in their lives, they will come back and thank you for setting the boundaries.  Then you’ll really smile when you watch them do the same for your grandchildren!

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

What has so many bent out of shape over abstinence education these days?  I believe it is simply the word “abstinence” itself.  It’s a negative word and negativity sells nothing.  Then top it off by adding the word “only” and you would think you have a recipe for failure.

The term itself leads many to believe that “abstinence only” education simply lectures kids, tells them to “Just say NO to sex,” and is nothing more than an attempt to preach religion in public schools.  Based on that completely inaccurate description, there are many left wing, very radical organizations with nothing more than a political agenda convincing the public that “abstinence only” education does not work – when quite the contrary is true!

Look at any study regarding teen pregnancies and abortion rates since the 1970s.  You will easily see that both exploded to the upside while comprehensive sex education was dominant in schools.  Not until the early 1990s did we begin to see them both come down year after year.  What changed?  School boards across America began replacing these failed comprehensive sex education programs with what I call “directive” abstinence programs.  Teachers were trained how to teach abstinence effectively in the classroom and they embraced these programs in droves.

So why are the doors to abstinence education suddenly closing in our schools?  Why is the federal government eliminating funding for abstinence programs in support of failed comprehensive sex education programs?

Two words – “abstinence only.”  Think about it.  Let’s say you are contemplating what kind of sex education is best for teens.  Your choice is between “abstinence only education” and “abstinence-based comprehensive sex education.”  Which one sounds better?  Most would quickly conclude the latter.

Let’s change the term “abstinence only education” to “directive education.”  Most would ask, “What’s that?”  Directive education is parents, teachers, and youth leaders learning how to get on a teenager’s level, meeting teenagers where they are in their culture, and directing them into making smart, healthy decisions while building respect, responsibility, maturity, discipline, and good character.

Directive education empowers teens to resist the many pressures facing them in a sex-saturated culture.  It helps teens understand and embrace a lifestyle of sexual abstinence until marriage which not only frees them from pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional heartache 100% of the time, but offers them a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.  Who’s against that?  No reasonable person would be.

Now compare this to “comprehensive sex education” which teaches from a nondirective perspective.  The assumption is that teens are simply unable to abstain from sex until marriage and since “they’re going to do it anyway,” they must be shown how to protect themselves.  Teens are taught how to use every FDA approved contraceptive on the market under the fallacy of “safe sex.”  It teaches them that any kind of sexual behavior is normal and acceptable in the name of “tolerance.”  And it wants them to know that if they still get pregnant, there is a solution for that as well….it’s called abortion.

Any wonder why providers and supporters of contraception, abortion, and homosexuality so vehemently oppose directive education and so enthusiastically support comprehensive sex education?  Directive education puts them out of business.  Comprehensive sex education keeps them in business.

I have personally had the privilege of training over 60,000 educators and youth leaders in the “directive” approach to teaching abstinence in the schools and purity in the churches.  In 25 years of service, I have NEVER had a trainee tell me, “I don’t want to teach this, it will never work.”

When most parents learn what comprehensive sex educators want to teach their teens, they rightfully want no part of it.  That’s why it is imperative that parents, teachers, and youth leaders look past the terms and political slogans and look into what they actually stand for.  After all, it is the health and wellbeing of our children that is at stake.

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

So you bought your teens that real nice cell phone so you could always be in touch with them, right?  Great!  But did you know they could be using it to send nude pictures of themselves to their friends? 

Now you may be thinking, certainly not my 14-year old daughter.  Yet a recent poll conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy revealed that 20% of teens say they have sent semi-nude or nude pictures of themselves through their cell phones and 38% said they have sent sexually suggestive text messages.

It should be no surprise to parents, teachers, and youth leaders why this is happening at such an alarming rate.  In this sex-saturated culture our kids have been so desensitized to sex that they do not see “sexting” as an illegal act of distributing pornography to minors, they see it as a flirtatious joke or present for their boyfriend or girlfriend.

That’s how Jesse Logan from Ohio saw it when she sent nude pictures of herself to her boyfriend.  After eventually breaking up, her boyfriend sent the pictures to others in their school as a joke.  She was then called every name in the book, constantly being harassed by her schoolmates until she couldn’t take it anymore.  In July 2008, 18-year old Jesse Logan hanged herself in her bedroom.

As the “sexting” phenomenon continues to grow, the question is, “Will parents and youth leaders respond to it as just another teen fad? Will the culture view it as harmless teen fun like rolling around in the back seat of a car?”

It is my view that parents must begin to take these things very seriously.  They must seize the role as director, trainer, and teacher of their kids.  Forget about whatever you may have done in your past.  If your assumption is your teens are “going to do it anyway,” like it’s no big deal, then rest assured – THEY WILL!!

In my 25 years of speaking and training on the ideals of purity, there is one major reason I have learned why parents, teachers, and youth leaders are so reluctant about talking to teens about sex.  They simply lack the confidence of how to do so effectively.  Many are afraid of being labeled a prude or they feel hypocritical since their past experiences may not have exemplified the values they want their teens to embrace today.

If they lack the confidence in dealing with such a sensitive issue as sex with their own kids, then the results are either say nothing – do nothing or write such things as “sexting” off as no big deal.  Then our teens are left to fend for themselves in a sex-saturated culture telling them to go for it in any and every way.

What can you do about it?  Learn the ideals of “directive” parenting and teaching – that is learn how to get on a teenager’s level, meet your teenagers where they are in their culture, and direct them into making smart, healthy decisions while building respect, responsibility, maturity, discipline, and good character.

Yes we can teach out kids these values in a way in which they will embrace them.  It begins with parents, teachers, and youth leaders who truly want to direct kids to make right decisions that will help them lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives!

We have the tools to help you do just that!  If you’re a school teacher, click here.  If you’re a pastor or youth pastor, click here.  If you’re with a Pregnancy Resource Center, click here.

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

How many teens in your youth group are involved in some kind of sexual activity?  Your first response may be none.  However, the reality is that many are, if not most.  Youth pastors across the country tell me:

“All my 13 and 14 year old girls talk about are boys.”

“Many of my teen boys are already hooked on internet porn.”

“Youth today don’t believe oral sex is sex.”

Many Crisis Pregnancy Center directors tell me over 50% of the teen girls coming to them pregnant are from church youth groups throughout their community!  Parents are constantly asking me, “How do I talk to my kids about sex so they’ll listen?”

As the Church faces these realities, many pastors, youth pastors, and parents remain silent on the issue mainly due to a lack of confidence in how to deal with it effectively.  As a result, many teenagers are left to fend for themselves in a sex-saturated culture where anything and everything goes.

So how can your church respond?

I Chronicles 12:32 – “The men of Issachar understood the times [culture] and knew what to do.”

First, understand the culture.  We cannot possibly reach today’s teenagers with a message of sexual purity without a solid understanding of where they are coming from on the issue.  The days of lecturing, just say “no,” and the finger in the face approach will not work in this culture of teens.

That’s why it is vital that pastors, youth leaders, parents, and teachers learn the most innovative approach in teaching teens about sex – directive education!  Directive education puts adults on a teenager’s level, allowing them to meet teenagers where they are in their culture, and direct them in making smart, healthy decisions while building respect, responsibility, maturity, discipline, and Godly character.

Second, speak the truth, saying it as simply and as often as possible.  That’s how Christ taught!  Jesus went into communities in complete understanding of the culture of those to whom He was speaking.  He told them stories they could relate to.  If they didn’t understand the story, He explained it to them.  He directed them, and He did this over and over again.

Third, provide innovative programs that get a teenager’s attention.  In teaching a standard of sexual abstinence until marriage, one must first present this message in a way that makes sense to teens.  With the help of a youth leader and their parents’ direction, teens must conclude for themselves that sexual abstinence until marriage is the wisest, most healthy choice for a teenager to make.  Once it makes sense to them, then their hearts are open to the Biblical application.

In today’s teen culture, it is video that teaches the best since teenagers are so visually oriented.  The program must be full of stories, fast paced, and directive.  It must show many teens as Godly role models.  And it must convey the truth according to God’s Word.

Where can you find such a program for your youth group? 

Click here to learn more.

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

And the debate goes on!  Should we teach comprehensive sex education in our schools or abstinence education?  Seems like every year this hot button issue surfaces in state legislatures and school systems across the country.

One example is in North Carolina where state law requires public schools teach teens that “a mutually faithful monogamous heterosexual relationship in the context of marriage” is the best means of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases.  They teach the benefits of abstinence as the only certain means of preventing pregnancy, STDs, emotional problems, etc.  They teach the positive benefits of sexual abstinence until marriage and the risks of premarital sexual activity.  They teach respect, responsibility, maturity, discipline, and character.  And they teach the facts about contraceptives.  That is they will reduce some risks of pregnancies and STDs, but the emphasis is - the risk is still there (as it should be).  Sounds pretty “comprehensive” to me!

But advocates of so-called “Abstinence based comprehensive sex education” led by Planned Parenthood, NARAL (abortion rights group), ACLU, and radical gay rights organizations are strongly opposed to this kind of teaching.

They believe we should be teaching our 13 years olds all FDA approved methods of contraception.  They want Johnny and Susie to learn how to use male and female condoms, emergency contraception, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, spermicides, oral contraceptives, skin patches, vaginal contraceptive rings, contraceptive injections, implanted contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and surgical sterilization.

They want to replace the word “marriage” with “committed relationships” which includes not only unmarried heterosexual relationships but also homosexual, bisexual, and multi-partner relationships.  They want these lifestyles taught on a footing equal to marriage.

What’s interesting is current NC state law allows for any public school system that wants to teach comprehensive sex education to your teens may already do so.  All a school board has to do is allow for a public hearing following public notice and making the objectives of the proposed program and instructional material available to parents for review 30 days before and after the public hearing.  That’s local and parental control which allows communities across the state to decide for themselves what’s best for their kids.

Since 1995, only 10 out of 115 school districts throughout NC have decided to go this route.  That’s overwhelming opposition to comprehensive sex education.  Yet advocates want to change the law to automatically shift all teens into these classes unless their parents sign a form that says they only want their teens taught abstinence.  If you don’t sign the form or if it is not returned to the school, guess what classroom your little boy and girl goes to?  Welcome to comprehensive sex education Johnny and Susie!

And talk about stigmatizing and segregating teens at such a vulnerable age.  I can hear it in the hallways now.

“Hey Johnny, I hear you’re in the abstinence class.  You’re a nerd!”

“Hey Susie, I hear you’re in the comprehensive sex ed class.  You must be a slut!”

The unfortunate sounds of segregation may be coming back to NC Public Schools.

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

You probably remember when you said something bad to one of your siblings, even though you really didn’t mean it, you’re mom would reprimand you by saying something like, “Well, you’re words mean something.”  Truth is, spoken words, or in this case – sung lyrics – do indeed mean something and both have a tremendous affect on teens today.

In a recent study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, researchers graded sexually explicit lyrics in popular songs from today’s top artists.  Then they interviewed 711 teens aged 15-16 regarding their musical tastes and sexual behavior.  Overall, 31% said they have had sexual intercourse.

Of those teens who said they rarely listen to music with sexually explicit lyrics, the rate was 20.6%.  Of teens who said they listen to these lyrics a lot, the rate was 44.6%.  That’s double the amount of sexually active teens who are jamming to raunchy lyrics on their iPods!

Yet what do we hear from these teens so often?  “I don’t listen to the music for the lyrics, I listen to it for the beat.”  It is imperative that parents, teachers, and youth leaders teach our kids that superimposed on a beat are messages and lyrics that do indeed mean something.  The more they listen to them, the more they want to be like the ones singing or rapping them.  Teens become desensitized to the debauchery and lasciviousness constantly penetrating their minds.

Next thing most parents wonder is why do so many teenagers want to look just like these groups, talk just like them, act just like them, be just like them?  It’s because what they listen to over and over again affects the way teens want to look, talk, and most importantly – ACT.

That’s why it is imperative mom and dad that you monitor what is on your teens’ iPods, that you sit down with them and read the lyrics on the CD covers, that you ask your teens why these groups sing about explicit sex so much.  Then you can direct them to make better decisions as to what they listen to while giving them what they say they want anyway – the beat!

Why do today’s music groups sing about sex so much?  Easy answer, SEX SELLS!  They know it get’s our attention, especially teenagers.  And that’s all these groups want so it will compel teens to spend $15, $16, $17 dollars or so to buy their CDs or download their songs from iTunes.  Then these groups could care less about the impact their lyrics have on the way teens think about sex or their videos have on the way teens view sex.  Many teenagers want to imitate what they hear and see, especially from their “idols.”  No wonder more teens who get a heavy dose of sexually explicit song lyrics are more prone to be sexually active.

It is vital that parents, teachers, and youth leaders get more involved with teens and what they’re listening to and watching (music videos).  Tell them you’re all going to listen to what’s on their iPods and CDs together.  If your teens are hesitant to that suggestion, then you know something is up.  Insist on doing it anyway, make it fun - then direct them.

But keep in mind, if you are going to take something away from kids, you need to replace it with something else.  Make a deal with your teens.  Tell them you’re going to the music store with them or sit down in front of the computer and listen to music together.  If it’s all about the beat, which is what teens say, then you will have no problem finding it with lyrics that are uplifting and positive.  Buy those songs for your teens.  You won’t get any argument from them for that!  And you shouldn’t get any argument from them about the songs you just bought, because it’s all about the beat….right teenager?

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

How should parents, teachers, and youth leaders respond to this question?

Bristol Palin, the 18-year old daughter of Gov. Sarah Palin, was recently interviewed on TV about her teen pregnancy and birth of her baby boy on December 27, 2008.  After talking about how “awesome” it was to be a mom and how “very, very, very cute” her baby was, she proceeded to share how tough it is being a teenage mom and how she wished all this could have happened ten years later.

When asked if she had philosophical or religious opposition to contraceptives, the teenager mustered up the following response:  “No. I don’t want to get into detail about that. But I think abstinence is, like—like, the—I don’t know how to put it—like, the main—everyone should be abstinent or whatever, but it’s not realistic at all.”

I see a very confused teenager trying to make the best out of her current situation while making herself feel better about it.  Her bungled response is indicative to what groups like Planned Parenthood are trying to convince moms and dads of teenagers today.  That is we should teach abstinence, but since it’s unrealistic to believe teens will practice it (they’re going to “do it” anyway) we need to make sure they have their condoms.

Bristol is trying to have it both ways.  On the one hand she regrets getting pregnant and wants to tell kids not to have sex (abstinence) because of all the consequences, etc.  Then on the other hand, she says that abstinence is “unrealistic,” so be sure to use a condom.  Besides, being a teenage mom is “exciting” she proclaims while complaining about all her sleepless nights and no time for herself.

The problem is if she takes a strong stand for abstinence then she feels like she has to admit to herself and others that what she did was wrong.  Call it pride or whatever, she therefore rationalizes (covers up) the mistake she made by saying all is well and abstinence is “unrealistic” anyway.

To say abstinence is “unrealistic” is to admit that we humans are nothing more than animals unable to control our urges and feelings and therefore must act upon them (if it feels good, do it) anytime we please regardless of the consequences.  Of course, this is not true.  So it is vital that parents, teachers, and youth leaders help teenagers understand that they are not “sexual beings” as the culture would lead them to believe, they are human beings.

They have a brain and the ability to think about consequences before they act, so that if they’re not ready to take on certain consequences, they can make intelligent decisions in advance to be free of them.  They have a heart that needs to be taught the difference between love and infatuation.  They have a soul forever seeking to know the difference between right and wrong.  And they have a responsibility to deal with the social consequences involved in raising children.

In a sex-saturated culture, we need to constantly reinforce to our kids sexual abstinence until marriage as the standard in which to follow.  Any teen embracing this lifestyle will never have to worry about walking in Bristol’s shoes – being a mom [or dad] when they’re not ready.  They’ll never have to worry about devastating sexually transmitted diseases in their lives (many of which there is no cure).  They’ll never have to worry about their hearts being broken when someone gets what they’re after and they get dumped.

Then they will have so many wonderful things to look forward to when they are ready to make a lifelong commitment to someone based on love in marriage: husband-wife, mom-dad, children-family.  Sounds pretty “realistic” to me as it has and still is for millions of teens nationwide!

Until next time…

M.L. Productions, Inc.

Mike Long is one of America’s leading educators helping teenagers deal with the many pressures they face about sex.  For years, he has spoken to school assemblies and youth organizations all over the country; and in increasing numbers, teenagers have responded to his clear, honest message. Mike effectively communicates with teenagers; and in this book, he addresses such issues as:

• the Top Ten List of Pressures on Teens to Have Sex
• how to cope with the emotional ups and downs of teenage relationships
• how the entertainment industry has deliberately lied to teens about sex in order to pick their pockets
• how teens can use a simple test to determine whether or not a boy friend or girl friend really loves them
• how far is too far
• how teens can take charge of their own sexuality and find true sexual freedom
• and why, for the first time in decades, everyone is NOT doing it!

Since 1985, over 1 million teenagers have heard Mike speak and seen his powerful video series.  And now, Mike has written this book especially for teens looking for clear direction and needing honest answers to questions they have about sex.  His simple, yet compelling instruction will help any teen lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life!

“As a practicing Obstetrician/Gynecologist for many years.  I have seen it all-sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, and emotional trauma.  It is refreshing to read a book designed for teens that gives them clear direction and medically accurate information that will keep them free from these terrible consequences.  I find this book to be a valuable resource for teens, parents, youth leaders and others who are interested in helping young people make responsible decisions regarding their own health and sexuality.“ 
Hale H. Stephenson, MD
Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pelvic Surgery
Greenville, NC

Published by Jameson Books, Inc.  Ottawa, Illinois

A Faith Application Verison of the “Everyone Is NOT Doing It“ series is now available on DVD or VHS Tapes for churches and youth groups.

From Abstinence Education pioneer Mike Long, the faith application version of the “Everyone Is NOT Doing It“ 4-part video tape series is designed to teach sexual purity to teens from a Biblical perspective. This tape may stand on its own for a one time program for youth and parents or as a continuation form Mike’s 4-part series.

Mike Long has been a leader in abstinence education since 1985 in the public schools. He has traveled to nearly every state in the US training thousands of teachers and parents in his “directive” approach to teaching abstinence to teens. He has spoken to well over 1 million teenagers and his “Everyone Is NOT Doing It” video tape series “For Happier, Healthier, and more Fulfilling Lives” is being used in over 4000 school systems and youth organizations nationwide.

This series is produced in a secular presentation for public schools building good health, character, maturity, responsibility, self-discipline, and respect in teens. Many churches and other faith organizations use this series with their youth groups because it helps them understand why sexual abstinence until marriage makes such good sense. Mike beleives that once it makes sense to them, their hearts will be more open and receptive to the Biblical application. That is why he made this tape.

For best results, pick a month to showcase this issue with your teens. On the first night your youth meets, show tape 1 of the “Everyone Is NOT Doing It” series. The next week, show tape 2 of this series. The next week, show tape 3. During this time, pick a night for the parents to meet and show them tape 4 - “The Parent/Teacher Role.“ On week 4, show both parents and teens together this tape for the Biblical application. Then provide each teen a copy of Mike’s book, Teenagers: Everyone Is NOT Doing It and each parent a copy of Parents: Everyone Is NOT Doing It. This way the discussion may continue at home between teenagers who are motivated on the issue and parents who have more confidence in addressing it. If you cannot devote a month to the entire series, then pick one night to show this tape to both parents and youth together and provide them Mike’s books.

Finally, consider having Mike come and speak at a youth rally in your community and conducting training for area pastors and youth pastors.

By: Randall Murphree

(AgapePress) - Mike Long was a pioneer when he began his abstinence education program in 1986. At the time, almost no public schools or institutions were espousing sexual abstinence before marriage, and the education establishment was barreling full-steam ahead with misnomered “safe” sex ed programs.

Long was a teacher in the Durham, North Carolina, public schools when he first realized the devastating effects of such programs on teenagers. Determined to find a positive alternative, he received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources to develop an abstinence education strategy acceptable for public schools. After a decade of proving it can be successful, the program he’s developed—Everyone Is Not Doing It—began making great headway in 1995.

“When we become parents of a teenager, we need mega-help!“ declares Barry St. Claire, national youth speaker and author. “Dealing with sex is one of the most difficult issues to communicate positively. Mike’s book gives us the tools we need to communicate the value of virginity to our teenagers.“

However, not everyone is happy with Long’s success. Sexual purity, though based on centuries of moral tradition, has become anathema to a culture which demands “freedom” in all things—including teen sex. Earlier this year, Long debated the issue on CNN’s TalkBack Live. His detractors were Helen Fisher, Rutgers University anthropologist, and Esther Drill, co-founder of a website that teaches teen girls about sex.

Both women came from a decided liberal bent, insisting that teens cannot help having sex. Fisher was challenged by one teenager in the audience for calling humans animals—clearly suggesting that indiscriminate sex is simply a part of human experience. When Fisher denied having used the term, the teenager quoted her (correctly) verbatim. Fisher was speechless.

At one point in the debate, Long asked Fisher what her answer is to the teenager who says, “All right, you taught me about safe sex. I used a condom, but now my girlfriend’s pregnant. What you taught me didn’t work.“ Fisher appeared stunned by the question and stammered incoherently, knowing she had no answer.

At another point, the frustrated anthropologist called Long “uneducated,“ though he holds a degree from University of North Carolina. Fisher and company notwithstanding, Long’s program continues to find increasing use in both public and private schools.

“I’m thrilled at the way things are going in the schools,“ Long says, “and now, finally in churches.“ He was dismayed when churches initially shied away from the practical curriculum that trains parents and teachers on how to instruct teens regarding abstinence. The program uses an approach which helps teens see abstinence as the sensible choice, and helps them realize that it leaves them in charge of their lives and removes the risks of sexual activity.

He says many Christian parents believe they don’t have to worry about their kids being sexually active because they are in church regularly. “Kids in the church are exposed to the same pressures,“ Long says. “There are real problems among Christian kids.“

Long has produced a number of teaching materials—videos, audio tapes and books. The latest video series is called Everyone is Not Doing It. The four videos in the series include “Overcoming Peer Pressure,“ “The Emotional Roller Coaster,“ “Responsible Sexual Freedom,“ and “The Parent-Teacher Role.“ The series is complemented by a pair of Everyone is Not Doing It books, one for parents and one for teens.

Most school sex ed programs introduced over recent decades ignore or barely mention abstinence, and instead focus on birth control, contraceptives, how to have sex without intercourse and other “everybody’s-doing-it” practices. Long believes these practices too often lead to teen promiscuity, pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and emotional heartbreak. His program addresses birth control and the use of contraceptives, but gives the whole truth – that they cannot guarantee protection from pregnancy and STDs. Abstinence can.

“Besides,“ Long says, “I’ve never seen a condom anywhere that can protect a kid’s heart.“

The educator/film producer believes that teens are mature enough and sensible enough to make responsible choices when given the truth about all options. “Once abstinence makes sense to teenagers,“ he says, “they are more open to the Biblical application.“

William P. Wilson, M.D., professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center Durham, endorses Long’s program. Wilson says, “Mike Long has presented in his book a simple method of authoritatively teaching sex to preteens and teens. More importantly, the principles he espouses are applicable to all moral instruction.“

Long has personally conducted in-service training for more than 23,000 educators and youth leaders in 43 states. He has been featured on NBC’s A Closer Look, MTV’s Choose or Lose, Janet Parshall’s America, Billy Graham’s Decision Today, Concerned Women for America, American Family Radio, Focus on the Family, and more. He has clearly become a bonafide major player in the sex ed arena.