- Definition
Abstinence means choosing not to do something, like deciding not to participate in sexual activities.
A teen deciding not to engage in sexual activity because they want to focus on their schoolwork and sports is practicing abstinence.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A choice to abstain is like deciding not to spend your money right away because you're saving for a bigger goal.
Ask your child: What are some reasons someone might choose to press 'pause' on certain activities?
Common mix-up: Some may think abstinence is something forced on you by others. It's actually a personal choice someone makes for their own health, emotional, or personal reasons.
Examples
- Choosing to wait until you feel older and more emotionally ready for a sexual relationship is a form of abstinence.
- Someone choosing abstinence to avoid the risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections is making a decision for their health.
abstinence is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
