THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is a fact that students are having sex, protected and unprotected, on school compounds as well as off. Whether the sexual activity happens on campus or off, during or after school time or both, it raises issues of supervision, security, values and parenting.

I have seen information from studies showing increased sexual activity and an increase in pregnancies after the introduction of condoms in school. I have also seen studies on the failure of condoms to prevent spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy. What are the objectives in issuing condoms in school? Is it that we will be telling students to use a condom and you will be safe? In light of the these studies, is there really and truly such a thing as 'safe sex'?

I do not see the value in making condoms available in schools. Condoms are already very available outside of school, both free and for a cost. Doesn't the Government have a programme allowing access to contraceptives for under-16s?

Address the issues

Common sense dictates that we find the reasons for early sexual activity and address those issues; and help our young people to see the value in waiting as well as to value and understand their sexuality.

It will also be helpful to talk to those who are not sexually active to find out why they have made the choice not to have sex and how they are making this work.

I expect that the tape showing the girl being forced to have intercourse is with the police. There is a name for that - rape. It also raises something else we should also know: our young people, both male and female, also experience sex against their will.

Our young people need realistic help which will work for them day to day. Let us give it to them. However, they might find it a little hard to believe we adults are for real because they are mirroring what they see in the society.

I am, etc.,

ELOISE CATO

12 Birch Way

Barbican Terrace

Kingston 6