Condom distribution sending wrong message

THE EDITOR: The group Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) agrees with the Education Ministry that the distribution of condoms is a matter of authorisation by parents and guardians. Unrestricted condom distribution gives young children the message that we support their sexuality as long as they do it safely. In the war on drugs, children are encouraged to say ‘No’, yet in the war on sexually transmitted diseases, students are taught to say ‘Yes’ as long as they use a condom. This sends a mixed message to the students as well as a false sense of security.

Many people, who support condom distribution, argue that children are going to have sex anyway, so they should be protected. This argument does not solve the problem of promiscuity; it only attempts to lessen the ill effects. Although providing condoms will help curb unsafe sex, condom distribution must be coupled with effective education both in our schools and homes. It is a fact that even though the condom is not 100 percent safe, it serves as the number one prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, with the exception of abstinence. Other methods of contraceptives, such as the pill, only prevent pregnancy.

Parents in collaboration with teachers and guidance officers may be forced to recommend condoms to promiscuous kids. However, the haphazard distribution of condoms to students may encourage greater promiscuity among these young people, and can lead to social and emotional problems, and subsequent maladjustment, since many of then are not fully mature. The best course of action is to emphasise to our kids from a very early age the importance of postponing sex until marriage. CBTT joins with the Education Ministry in strongly condemning the actions of groups which target schoolchildren by disruptive actions.

HARRACK
BALRAMSINGH
President, CBTT
La Romaine