BOSTON -- Sex education: a difficult topic for many, but generating increased attention of late.

It is no secret to health experts, educators or young people that abstinence-only programs are just not working while the opposite approach is roundly criticized as a thinly veiled " how to" seminar.

Last month the United States Senate introduced a bill known as The REAL Act (Responsible Education About Life) which, if passed, would finally authorize federal funding for comprehensive sex education.

Supported by both Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, this bill would allow public schools to establish an updated and extensive program as part of their core curriculums and pay for it with federal dollars. Currently, the U.S. government funds exclusively abstinence-only education.

Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that has not mandated sex education in the public schools. If passed, the REAL Act would finally introduce a medically accurate, age-appropriate, multiple-year, comprehensive program as a permanent part of the health curriculum.

Although the program would stress abstinence as a best choice, it would also emphasize self respect, healthy relationships, responsible behavior and accountability for actions, with discussions about abuse, harassment, STDs and yes, even contraception.

Current trends and topics could be dealt with immediately such as the sudden rash of "sexting" that is being reported around the state right now.

With teen pregnancy once again on the rise, it is time to teach more than "just say no." The real purpose of sex education should be to promote healthy lifestyles and to prevent unintended pregnancies. It should not be used as an ideological weapon in a political war.