Would You Sign Your Child Up For The Free Condom Program?

[Cafe MichelleP]

School Giving Condoms to 12-Year-Olds Is on Board With Abstinence Too

Posted by Jeanne Sager

Could we finally have a happy middle ground for the parents who believe in sex education for teenagers and the parents who don't to meet on? A Massachusetts high school thinks they've got the key. They want to hand out condoms to kids as young as 12. But wait! There's more!

Parents of students in Springfield will get a letter allowing them to opt out of the program. And just in case the letters don't make it home, the school will be calling Moms and Dads too.

I think we have a winner here, folks!

I'm all about letting parents go their own way and make choices for their kids. But the easy go with the flow train goes off the rails choices start to infringe on my right to  make choices for my kid.

Unfortunately, in many school districts in America, that's exactly what has happened. The studies show access to birth control doesn't increase sexual activities, it just makes it safer, but too many parents refuse to believe it. Parents who have read the studies and know that quality sex education reduces the teen pregnancy rate are stymied by parents who refuse to allow their kids to be educated about birth control. So we're all stuck with the abstinence-only education that scientists have shown time and again isn't working.

If you want to teach your kid about abstinence and only abstinence, that's your choice. But barring the rest of our kids from getting sex ed just isn't fair!

That's why I'm digging this program offering condoms to kids in Massachusetts. The way the school has designed it could be exactly what we need to bridge the gap.

Some of us opt in. Some opt out. And voila: the parents who fear that their kids won't come to them for birth control, but still want their kids to be safe if they DO decide to have sex are covered. And the others at least got to make their own choice for their kids.

Works for me! How about you?

Would you sign your child up for the free condom program?

What is the earliest age you would do so?

[Zamaria]

No, I wouldn't. If my child wanted to have sex I would buy the protection myself. I don't condone sex until they are ready to deal with the responsibility that comes with sex, but if he was determined to do it, I would make sure he had protection. He knows that.

[stuswf]

I agree with Zameria for the most part.....I believe in sex ed...I think having condoms available is a good thing.....but involving parents in signing their child up for a condom program I feel is way too much pressure for a family! I believe in openness in sex talk / advice with my kids. I've let them know that just because I want you to be safe if you choose to have sex doesn't mean I condone it!

[GLO682]

I feel that teaching kids the importance of safe sex or refraining from sex in general is a parents responsibility. im all for sex education but the handing out of condoms should be a responsible of the parents. not the schools.

 

[fineyouguyswin]

I would starting at 12 if they wanted to be in. Those are our school colors BTW haha

[wenchmommy381]

I'm not one of those abstinence proponents who thinks condoms are icky and will traumatize my children. They will know what they are, how they are used.... and how they can fail in certain circumstances. They get to decide if it's worth the risk.

[elkmomma]

I think 12 is too young for my son; however in some areas that may be the "norm".  If I thought my son was emotionally able to understand the importance of condoms and what they are used for i would.  I do hope there is more than a one day seminar for this program and that there is general info meeting for the parents to understand what its about and covers before they hand them out to be used inappropriately.

[psych_mom]

I have to agree with the first two posters.

[OhGloria]

 I have no problem with it because alot of kids are not comfortable talking to their parents about sex and getting condoms.  With my older kids I provide the condoms and thank god my tween isn't ready for that yet.