The topic of an ongoing debate in communities across North America is the issue of condoms in school. Does having condoms in school encourage young people to have sex with each other? Or does the presence of condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy? The debate rages on between teachers, parents, students and community members.

The facts are clear. Teenagers are going to engage in sex whether or not condoms are made available to them. Despite what many thing, having condoms in school does not encourage young people to have sex, because they are already having sex with or without condoms just as they have for generations. However, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases is quite high among teenagers, and teenage pregnancy is becoming a national epidemic. How do we prevent these problems? Many believe that condoms in school are the key to providing easily accessible protection for those who choose to have sex.

It will not be possible to prevent teenagers from having sex, it is a natural act, and they are going to participate. The key to preventing unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is by educating young people and providing them with options in protection such as condoms in school.