Parents of young adolescents from 2 United States communities were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward sex education. The East Coast community Rolling Hills is an upper-middle class suburb. The population is approximately 50000--predominantly Caucasian. A curriculum from kindergarten to 12th grade has been developed and implemented. At the 7th and 8th grade levels respect and understanding of self and others; social development of the teenager; social aspects of dating growth and reproduction; and proper sexuality terminology should be taught. The Rocky Mountain site Mountain View is small Western town of approximately 40000 predominantly Caucasian. The reproductive system fetal development and venereal diseases are covered. A survey was distributed for parents to complete in each area. 81% of the respondents were female; 71% had child in 7th grade; 29% in 8th. They are predominantly white married Christian and middle class. The vast majority (89%) of parents generally approved of sex education in the schools. Most (66%) believed that there was some support for teaching sex education; 20% thought there was a lot of support--14% a little. 61% said the junior high school sex education program should be expanded; 33% kept the same; 4% abolished. Parents want to be the primary sex educators of their children but want the schools to supplement their efforts. Parents felt sex education should be introduced by 9th grade. Parents want to be involved in the curriculum planning and implementation of sex education programs in the schools.