by L. Landrum

Created on: October 04, 2009   Last Updated: October 05, 2009

I must clarify first that the way this question is worded sounds as if "condoms" should be given out as kids walk down the hallway of schools. I do not agree to that, and I fully think that the parents should be the ones to distribute condoms.

However, lets face it, we live in a world where most parents do not talk to their kids regarding sex, and if they do, it is a threat, "you better not or else". As a child dealing with this mentality, I would not approach my parents and ask for a condom either.

I fully think that all schools should have a private place that is anonymous where kids could come to get a condom and not feel embarrassed.

The truth of the matter is simple: No matter what you teach your kids you cannot police them 24/7, and if they choose to become sexually active, wouldn't you prefer that they are safe doing so?

I raised three boys and we had full open communication and they knew all about being intimate and that they should wait. I didn't jump down their throats, and I explained to them both sides from the male and female point of view.

As stated above though, I was also fully aware that if they became intimate or found themselves in this situation, that I was not going to be there to stop it. And in the event that I may stop it once, I could not prevent it from going on at another time.

In our house we had a container that had condoms in it and the boys were free to take what they needed. I can tell you with this concept they never used them, and we had great communication regarding feelings and relationships.

As far as public schools or organization having condoms on hand, I am all for it, as I would prefer to stop an unwanted pregnancy or a disease from spreading.

I do not think they should be "distributing" them by just standing around passing them out as this tends to make kids grab them to look cool. What would their friends think if they didn't grab a handful.

I believe sexual relationships are between the two experiencing this, and that regardless of age (as we cannot stop it) the younger generation should be fully taught the lessons involved, and the responsibility that comes with, intimacy. As we know, that is not always the case and therefore, they should at least be able to protect themselves.

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