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British scouts to get condoms
Filed under: Teens, Your Pregnancy, Activities: Babies, Sex
The British version of the Boy Scouts has issued new guidelines which instruct troop leaders to hand out condoms "if they believe [a scout] is very likely to begin or continue having intercourse with or without contraception." In addition, they are encouraged to offer their troops "appropriate information" regarding sex and even plan visits to sexual health clinics.There are those who are opposed to the idea, however, saying that the guidelines will lead to more unwanted pregnancies. (Funny, I thought condoms did the opposite.) Stephen Green, national director of Christian Voice, says that "they should be encouraging young people in their care to have respect for girls and live a life of chastity and fidelity."
Peter Duncan, the head of the association, however, disagrees. "We must be realistic and accept that around a third of young people are sexually active before 16 and many more start relationships at 16 and 17," he said. "Adults in Scouting have a duty to promote safe and responsible relationships and, as an organisation, we have the responsibility to provide sound advice about how to do that."
I'd say that as an organization that purports to help teenaged boys make the transition from child to adult, a little help with the whole sex education bit makes perfect sense.
| Absolutely! After all, their motto is "be prepared!" | |
|---|---|
| No way! That's the parents' bailiwick. |
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-20-2008 @ 4:45PM
SKL said...I'd say yes to information about respecting women and protection, provided the parents are informed in advance and the kids won't be penalized if they skip that lesson. I'd say no to condom handouts and such, unless parents specifically give permission in advance.
Reply
10-20-2008 @ 4:56PM
ame s said...There are parents who would say "No Way!" to their child being given condoms who will become grandparents before their child turns 18.
Living with one's head in the sand is not a good method of birth control. Just ask Sarah Palin.
Reply
10-20-2008 @ 7:11PM
LS said...But it's still the parent's call - I agree that the condoms shouldn't be distributed. That's crossing a line.
Having worked professionally for the Scouts for a time (several years ago, now), I know that, as professionals, we thought long and hard about every aspect of sexuality, as it related to the Scouts. How should questions about sex be answered? When should leaders talk to kids about it? When should they not? Should they talk about it at ALL, or simply say, "go ask your mom/dad"?
I really think that all of those policies should be - and probably are - re-evaluated on a regular basis. But giving out the condoms? Absolutely not. That, in my opinion, is undermining a parent's authority, regardless of what people may think about the issue.
10-20-2008 @ 8:22PM
ame s said...A line is crossed any time a person has a child without the resources to support said child on their own, without holding a hand out to receive "assistance" from the government.
I will step so far out of bounds to say that if someone has a baby they can not support, they should give that child to someone who can. I am sick of my tax dollars being given to people who didn't have the self control to keep their legs together. Their "oopsie"accident/surprise baby should never be my problem or concern or receive one penny of my tax dollars.
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10-20-2008 @ 9:44PM
Uly said...I'm glad you're so perfect, ame.