Should Condoms Be Distributed in Schools?

[donco6]

A new study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Public Health shows that distributing condoms to students in schools "does not increase sexual activity among adolescents, but it does lead to greater condom use among students who are already having sex."

The study can be downloaded at here

Our school district has avoided this policy like the plague. They say its too controversial to even think about implementing. What do your schools do? Anyone out there whose school district distributes condoms to kids? Should they?

EDITED TO FIX LINK

[Blue_Chill]

1. I would say

It should be up to each district to decide for themselves.

[patdem]

8. And then a study done regarding which districts refused

to acknowlege sex amoung teenagers and those schools that allowed condoms! Now THERE is a STUDY!

[Uzybone]

2. Of the top of my head

I dont think they shoul be distributed. But they should be made available, and every student should know where to go get them discretely if they wish.

[TrogL]

Definitely

In small towns where everybody knows everybody, if you show up at a counter trying to buy condoms, it'll be all over town in 20 minutes.

There should be big bowls of them at every door. The NRA will love this - put a condom over your firearm muzzle to keep the rain out.

[JVS]

14. That's what gas station restroom vending machines are for

[TrogL]

55. have you seen the condoms that come out of those machines

Worse than useless. They'll tear in a heartbeat.

[wuushew]

3. Yes

The logic is irrefutable

[jiacinto]

4. How about this?

This could be a compromise that is reasonable but that would satisfy no one.

At the begining of the year the teachers, along with all the forms they give to children to take home to their parents, should give a letter to the parents stating that condoms would be avaiable for their kids at the nurse's office.

Then, if parents do not want their children to receive condoms or to have that option available to them, they could sign an "opt out form". That way their children don't have access to condoms, while other children get the birth control they need.

That's what they do with sex ed classes in most high schools. Why can't it be done with condoms?

[IranianDemocrat]

10. Hrmm

I dunno about that, it sounds like a good idea but I think restrictions any restriction on school condoms will only lead to more teenage pregnancies.

[jiacinto]

15. Fair enough

But that way parents who don't want their children getting condoms don't prevent other teens from getting the birth control they need.

[sandnsea]

38. That's a good step forward

They should also get information about the local health department that distributes condoms as well.

But here's the deal. Does a teen have the right to protect their health even though the parent has a different idea of what that means? Why should a teen have to risk AIDS because of their parents belief system?

Of course, the idea that if you can't come up with enough money to buy a condom might mean you're not responsible enough to handle the consequences of sex at all. Condoms do break, babies do result. That aspect of sex education is sadly missing from the discussion in the schools, IMHO.

[jiacinto]

42. I see your point

But by giving some parents the "opt out" option you allow the vast majority of other students to have access to birth control and STD prevention. Does that shortchange some kids? Or will kids whose parents don't want them to learn about birth control or receive condoms be at more risk? Yes, but it is at least a compromise.

[Yupster]

62. Agree Sandnsea

If the couple together can't come up with the 65 cents to buy a condom at 7-11, then they should rethink this whole ready for sex thing.

[sexybomber]

77. 65 cents?

I dunno where you're getting yours, but they cost $3 a pack here...

[donco6]

28. How do you monitor?

Kid comes in to nurse's office, grabs a condom - how does the nurse know if the kid's parents did or did not fill out the form?

[jiacinto]

43. I would assume that that info would be kept on file

I assume that the nurse would get a print of a list of students to not get condoms from.

[donco6]

53. And keep it in her head?

Or would every kid who came in have to wait for her to check on her "little list."

It's not quite as simple as you might think, but perhaps doable.

[jiacinto]

56. I think we are splitting hairs here

I think she would check the list first. Then again, given the dynamics, I think it is a worthwile compromise.

[donco6]

59. You're right.

Sorry, got carried away.

[Yupster]

61. I agree jiacinto

Yes they should be available, but only with the parents' signed consent.

[redeye]

64. It can be done...

...but it shouldn't. Teenage sex is not the parents' business. Besides, you have no idea how many fundie parents will use this as a way to control their children even more - no, I'd rather have the children rather than the parents decide.

[Muddleoftheroad]

69. Huh?

Let kids decide whether they have sex or not?

God, I hope like hell you aren't a parent.

[jiacinto]

78. I think that parents have the right to make this decision

I think having an "opt out" provision for parents who object is a reasonable compromise.

[ButterflyBlood]

5. yes

kids will have sex anyway, so let them do it safely. abstinence only is just as stupid as never telling kids how to safely use alcohol and not drink and drive, just tell not to drink period. we're still going to drink no matter what.

[Muddleoftheroad]

6. Not at school

Perhaps a public health facility.

[JVS]

20. I agree not at the school itself but maybe at the hospital or something

My school district has already had a few cases of kids being caught having sex in school. They were 7th and 8th graders. I think condoms being distributed at school would send the wrong message.

[salin]

23. What do you make of the findings of the study?

no difference in rates of kids having sex between schools having condoms available (distribution), and not. So even if it sends a message (does it?) the kids don't seem to act on it.

The difference, according to the study, is that of that same rate of kids having sex, the number of kids having protected sex (re: cut back on sds and pregnancies) was higher at the schools with the condom program.

If "sending a bad message" makes no difference in student behavior (as is suggested by the study), then isn't the second effect (more protected sex - among the same rate of kids having sex) worth even considering this policy?

[JVS]

27. different situation

I'm against the kids having sex in the actual school. What they do on their own time is fine with me. Teach the kids to always use a condom and tell them where they can get them and send them on their merry way.

[donco6]

31. So your saying that distributing condoms at school. . .

. . . will send the message that it's OK to have sex "at school"?

[Muddleoftheroad]

33. No, silly

It will send the message at school that it is OK to have sex. Big difference.

[salin]

52. but how do you account for the study's findings?

whether or not the schools had a program - the rate of sexual relations was the same.

Only difference between the schools with a program and without a program was the rate in which those kids sexually active had safe sex.

Seems that either way the same number of kids are having sex. Sending a message by the school had no effect on kids having sex.

Since that is the case - then I am for lowering the incidence of teen pregnancy - and since "sending the wrong message" has no effect on the kids - then I say distributing the condoms does the greater good.

[Muddleoftheroad]

57. Multiple issues

1) I require more evidence
2) It ain't the place of the schools to be doing this. If it is a health issue, make it handle by health locations. School is for learning. Don't give people one more reason to pull their children from the school system.

[salin]

71. Many schools now have coordinated services

such as health and social service agencies located directly at the school. The concept is called "School-linked Services", and the idea that the school becomes a center for parents and members of teh community to access services as well as the school.

Perhaps in this sort of set up - where it is at the school - but not a part of the school (I imagine a seperate part of the school houses the offices for these other organizations) would work?

While I would never want to take on the role of birth control counseling, I was exceptionally alarmed in the alt ed program that I worked for in the early 90s at the number of teens who became or already were parents before the age of 15. I don't know about their regular schools, but we did nothing on the birth control/condom front. Did (with parent permission - scheduled during non-school hours so student attendance was voluntary) a couple of sessions on safe-sex, stds and pregnancy (including the messge that no sex is the safest sex) - but don't know that it did much.

Was really hard to work with kids who were just beginning to pull their act together academically and who suddenly found themselves parents. Made focusing on long-term goals (re: education) much harder for them - and teens often aren't really that long-term goal oriented in the first place. Suddenly they were forced into a more adult (and poverty level) survival mode.

[salin]

49. I would be hard pressed to find anyone

who would be in favor of kids having sex at school.

Sadly, kids at that age aren't always likely to go to those places to get the condoms. Easier just not to do it. Sadly.

It would be interesting to learn if the schools that didn't have condoms available had an informational program (and sent them on their way to get what they needed outside of the school) or were in complete denial mode (if we just don't talk about it...) If it were the latter - I would be open to trying your suggestion. If they did have information available - and the lower results of protected sex, then I would have to go in favor of making condoms available at the school. NOT TO HAVE SEX AT SCHOOL - but to try to realize the lower incidence of stds and pregnancy.

[Yupster]

63. Oral sex in the bathrooms

is the new in-vogue thing at our middle schools.

[GOPisEvil]

7. Of course they should be.

Why would we want children who are fully educated about their sexuality and the consequences of NOT using a condom? </sarcasm>

[commander bunnypants]

9. Yes they should be available for use

DEMMAN

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. No, in a perfect world they would be distributed by parents...

because we, as parents, should care more about the health and future of our children than what the neighbors might think.

[Muddleoftheroad]

13. True

But in a perfect world, kids would also be taught that condoms DON'T always work. They DON'T always prevent pregnancy and they DON'T always prevent disease.

A lot of kids are shocked when they find this out.

[Kolesar]

17. Teach them how to use condoms and they will work properly

[Muddleoftheroad]

19. Every time?

Not likely. Condoms break. Condoms slip off. And condoms, even under optimal conditions, don't prevent all STDs. (Genital warts anyone?)

[donco6]

24. But NOT using them NEVER prevents disease . . .

pregnancy, etc.

Which way is better?

[Muddleoftheroad]

29. Education

Education is better. I've actually spoken with high school kids on this topic and they DID NOT know that they could get STDs while wearing a condom. So, the education is the problem.

Placing condoms in a school is an official endorsement that teenage sex is OK. Schools are NOT in that business.

[donco6]

35. But that's the very idea the study refutes.

From the Abstract:

Objectives. This study assessed relationships between condom availability programs accompanied by community discussion and involvement and adolescent sexual practices.

Methods. Sexual practice and condom use differences were assessed in a representative sample of 4166 adolescents enrolled in high schools with and without condom availability programs.

Results. Adolescents in schools where condoms were available were more likely to receive condom use instruction and ***less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse.*** Sexually active adolescents in those schools were twice as likely to use condoms, but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent sexual encounter.

Conclusions. The strategy of making condoms available, an indication of socioenvironmental support for condom use, may improve HIV prevention practices.

[Muddleoftheroad]

37. One study does not the world make

For something like this, every community is different. Every state is different. Let each community and each state decide.

[donco6]

39. It would be nice if they based it on scientific fact.

But perhaps that's asking too much.

[Muddleoftheroad]

44. Instead

Base it on democracy.

[donco6]

47. If you mean pure democracy, i.e., majority rule, NO.

I disagree completely.

[Muddleoftheroad]

58. We can't do THAT

Shocker.

[salin]

25. Any program that deals

with sexual issues - be it informational (eg sex ed) or condom distribution should stress this.

When I worked with urban teens in Detroit, and a group held several AIDS awareness workshops - this message (that all forms of protection fail) was incorporated throughout the presentations.

[Exultant Democracy]

12. I think Condoms in schools should be a local issue

Personally I would want my children (when and if I have them) in a more progressive school. One with a good sexual education program that among other things, gives them, and teaches them how to use condoms.
This being said there are some places, in this country that are not ready for realistic sexual education. If we pushed something like this through unilaterally a lot of people would end up pulling their kids out of the public schools. I think this would be a disaster because then these children educations would be up to Fundies private schools, or home schooling, places with no real oversight and no exposure to new ideals.

[wuushew]

21. Local control is often bunk

Hence creationism and banning unpopular books.

Federal money and federal education all the way!

[Exultant Democracy]

26. I know it suckss, but I've been in the belly of the beast

I lived in Idaho for a short while, and let me tell you it is not pretty. If there is going to be progress, we can't force feed it to people, We have to bait them with it. At the same time I do agree with the withholding of federal funds, state funds, etc.. for schools that refuse to follow programs.

[Vikingking66]

16. it is controversial, but it's the right thing to do

My old high school distributed condoms,
but it wasn't a big thing. They didn't
hand them out at lunch; all they did was
let people know that you could get them
for free if you went to the nurses' office
to grab a few.

It's a very effective policy; lots of teens
have sex and don't get protection either because
they didn't have sex ed or because they
can't afford the money for condoms on a regular
basis.

It's like handing out crash helmets for
kids who want to rollerblade. It's a fun,
potentially dangerous activity that is made
harmless by sensible precautions.

[DoYouEverWonder]

18. Leave them in a basket in the bathrooms

I'd much rather my kid have sex with a condom than without a condom. Either way they are going to have sex if they are so inclined.

[trof]

22. We got them in vacation bible school.

It was a very progressive church.
;-)

[StandWatie]

30. friggin Iran distributes condoms

as a matter of fact they have a government sanctioned condom factory to make sure quality standards are kept.

I think it's incredible that we have this debate here and take it seriously.

[Muddleoftheroad]

32. The difference is

We are a democracy and it takes a majority decision to make this happen or not.

[wuushew]

34. Weapons of mass contraception?

[StandWatie]

36. quite lethal ones apparently!

[iangb]

40. You mean They're not?

.....as they say.."Only in America".

As a parent I'd have been horrified if our local schools didn't have condoms available.

[donco6]

41. Only the largest metro districts here in CO have . . .

condoms available. And then, it's only in schools that have school-based health clinics.

The vast majority of students do not have access to condoms in school.

[Ein]

45. A thousand times yes!

If two hormones-on-legs are gonna mambo, it's gonna happen with or without the safety jacket, often.

edit: When I was in HS only two people were caught boogeying in school, and they weren't protected.

[jagguy]

46. no, its not their job and its certainly not in the budget

explain their use and effectiveness in sex ed. and leave it at that.

To take money away from actual education to buy them is just wrong. Budgets that actually make it out to the schools are tight enough as it is, no wasting money on this.

[donco6]

50. The condoms are usually provided free by the health . . .

department. Schools don't buy them themselves.

But, they do cost the state money, so I'll take it that you don't believe the state should be providing them?

[jagguy]

54. you are correct

even if they were provided free by the manufacturer its not the school's job. My kid's school doesn't pass out free pencils either, not their responsibility.

Kids have parents or guardians or money of their own.

Now, if health wants to hook up with social services to address this where there is a real financial issue, OK.

Schools have enough on their plates with actual education.

[Trek234]

48. I see no reason

I'm in high school and I don't know anyone that doesn't know how to go buy condoms if they need to.

[donco6]

51. I'm glad for you.

But here in my town, everyone knows everyone. It would take a lotta chutzpah for a kid to buy a pack of Trojans here.

[GBD4]

60. No way

What are we going to do? Force the male students to demonstrate to their teachers condom competency? Then they'll offer IUDs...hey! we can have a sex accessories shop in the back of the cafeteria! Children are having sex earlier and earlier these days, and all we do is say ok, just do it "safely"...this is one issue where I just have to disagree with the majority consensus

[Vernunft]

66. What´s wrong with early sex as long as it´s consentual ?

I don´t see the problem.

[Muddleoftheroad]

70. They're kids

Or don't you understand that.

[Gringo]

74. HS students aren't exactly kids

nor are they adults. Precisely the reason for the problem. I wouldn't forbid my kids to have sex before they're 18, but they'd better damn well have good heads on their shoulders before they jump into that mess.

[Muddleoftheroad]

76. High schoolers

Start at the age of 14. That means, quite clearly in my mind and that of most U.S. laws, that they are kids. Exactly kids in fact. Not ALL of them are kids, but many are.

[durutti]

68. Read the Article

It won't increase sexual activity among the young. There's no empirical evidence that would suggest it would. This argument implies a rather prejudiced view of American youth.

The increasingly sexualized media have already exposed teens to this stuff.

[leftofthedial]

65. yes, but only at recess

[durutti]

67. Absolutely

There's no doubt in my mind that it's a good idea.

[Gringo]

72. Not distributed

Available at the nurse's office for those who want them.

[Loonman]

73. Yes they should

It's been proven that they don't lead to more sexual activity.


When we had real sex education for a awhile, before the abstinence stuff, abortions and sexual activity between teens actually dropped off.

[Muddleoftheroad]

75. Sure

Give half the U.S. (at least) another reason to withdraw from public education AND withdraw support for it.

Parents the local communities need to have a say in this decision.