They might be your kids, but who's talking to them about sex, alcohol and other mature topics? We're asking that question in light of an angry South Jersey mom whose eighth grader received a language arts homework assignment asking him to respond to a hypothetical scenario involving drinking, a one-night stand and herpes

Carolee Adams, President of the NJ Eagle Forum and parental rights advocate, called to discuss this subject and the New Jersey Protection of Pupil Rights Bill.

"What it does is recognizes that parenting is such a great privilege, but with that privilege comes responsibilities and challenges," said Adams of the Pupil Rights law. According to her, it allows parents to be more involved in the public education system by letting them opt out of sensitive portions of the curriculum by signing or withholding permission slip.

Although this law exists, Adams said it's not always observed, as is the case here.

“We have to be more proactive," she said, calling for New Jerseyans to champion parental rights. "Teachers have to recognize and respect the right of the parent to know about these very, very sensitive subject matters."

I'm all for Adam's point. It's not that we shouldn't talk about sex, alcohol and STDs, but it's who's doing the talking and when. There are certain topics parents should be touching on, not teachers.

What's appropriate for teachers to discuss with students? Let me know what you think by commenting below or tweeting at @nj1015 and @BillSpadea.

Bill Spadea is host of the Chasing News TV program. He periodically fills in for NJ 101.5 show hosts, and you can daily hear his opinion about all things New Jersey here, or by tweeting @BillSpadea.

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