CORINTH — The Corinth School District has adopted an abstinence-only sex education policy but agreed to revisit the issue after it has been in place for a semester.

The Daily Corinthian reports that the school board made the decision Monday.

The board considered adopting abstinence-only for grades 5 through 8 and abstinence-plus for grades 9 through 12. The board reached its decision after much discussion in which concern was expressed about youth becoming sexually active at younger ages.

"I would like to take the position of abstinence-only, but I think that's like wearing blinders," said Board President Ann Walker.

The board agreed to take a look at participation in the abstinence-only version after the first semester and consider if changes are needed.

Mississippi schools have until June 30 to decide how to incorporate sex education classes into the curriculum for the 2012-13 school year.

The state is requiring that every district teach either abstinence plus — which includes information about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases — or abstinence only.

Students will be separated by gender. Parents will have the option of opting in or out of the class.

Abstinence-only prohibits discussion of abortion. Contraception can be discussed, but not demonstrated.

The curriculum is approved by the state Department of Education.