Condoms condone sex
IT WAS recently reported that the government plans to hand out condoms to primary school children as young as 10, in a bid to stop teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/Aids. Although there are good intentions behind this project, many feel that there must be a better way to educate children about the consequences of unprotected sex.
Talking about sex is still seen as taboo in many households, and there is a need for greater education. But is the subject too heavy for children that are in Grade 4? Perhaps not. With the amount shown on television, even subtly, most children seem to have a broad knowledge of the topic, and are naturally curious.
The handing out of condoms creates ethical problems as well and goes against abstinence preached by churches countrywide. Giving a primary school child, who is not emotionally mature enough for most decisions, a condom is exactly the same as condoning under-aged sex.
It simply does not make sense, and contradicts the law, which states that anyone under 16 is not able to give consent. Giving out condoms to high school children is a bit different because, although still young, they are more likely to engage in sexual activities regardless.
Most people in this country are in agreement that something has to be done to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids. Abstinence may not be realistic when it comes to teenagers but it should not be a problem to convince young children not to have sex.
All that is needed is a better education system when it comes to sex, not one that scares children away from it, but one that reminds them of the legal age and of the very real consequences of their actions. At a Grade 4 level, children are not likely to think of planning ahead because they are children – they are not able to cope with something as big as that.
Is it a good idea to give condoms to children as young as 10? No, it is not. It is a good idea in general and should be implemented among older children who are over the legal age of consent.
This does not mean that Grade 4s should not have sex education, however. It just needs to be introduced on a much subtler level than blatantly giving them condoms, making them believe it is fine to have sex at the age that they are.
It has to be age appropriate education to help their developing minds and properly educate them.