Introduction
A school is an institution where learners acquire moral, social, physical, and mental development. They are expected to provide education in sexuality to their members. Condom distribution is, however, to be left to other stakeholders. In most cases, the majority of the school members are found in either primary or secondary schools. These pupils are n their sexual first encounter. A responsible institution should focus on abstinence as a measure to curb their sexuality. Students who attain early sexuality in this stage are should be considered special.
In this research, the argument is pro schools taking part in the distribution of condoms. The research focuses on the quantification of the social cost and the implications of condom distribution by schools.
Schools Should Not Distribute Condoms
Schools taking part in the distribution of condoms deny the pupils confidentiality. Students are forced to hang around clinics or community workplaces as they access contraceptives. Most billings that ensure confidentiality of the entire school fraternity are too expensive for the schools to afford. As result students and parents are exposed to embarrassment. This destroys the day-to-day interaction between the pupils and their teachers, school nurses, counselors, health workers, and the school principal.
The schools can participate in offering youth-friendly services instead of advocating for condom distribution. Members of the staff should know the background of all the students that are under their care. Through this, they encourage the students to be more responsible especially on the matters of sexuality. The best time for sex can is discussed in such avenues. The teacher provides suggestions on other family planning s that can be adopted by the students in the future. In such avenues, the school fraternity acquires mentorship and role modeling.
Condom is a contraceptive garget. Its distribution should be accompanied by proper counseling and demonstration on how it is to be used. Most schools play very little concerning this. If it is done at all then the teacher-student relationship is adversely affected. Those involved in the demonstration consider the clients as sex objects instead of students. This reflects the lack of moral and ethical upbringing of students by the school administration. If the school institution is allowed to distribute condoms, then it would fail its core responsibility. It is advisable that the school participate actively in monitoring the well-being of the teens. This enables the student to adhere to directives.
Usage of condoms always has a reflection of sex in people’s minds. Schools distributing condoms are seen to encourage sex among the pupils and the members of staff. A lot of embarrassment occurs when the students their teacher struggle to obtain the available stock of condoms.
Distribution of condoms by the school allows easier accessibility and free cost of condoms. This encourages sex among teenagers. In most cases, irresponsible teens take advantage of this as an opportunity to involve in sex. Cases of early pregnancies, early marriages, and high rates of school dropouts are experienced in such institutions. Research shows that over 50 percent of high school pupils have had sexual intercourse. A further range between 14.4 and 20.9 percent female and male students have had sex with more than four people respectively. Looking at this trend, it is evident that if condoms are availed in schools then the percentage is likely to rise.
Condom as a contraceptive is not 100% safe. It is only recommended for those who can not control themselves. Most research shows that it can not prevent fluids especially HIV/AIDS-causing virus. Advocating for its distribution exposes society to be viable to STDs. The school community is made up of the most important members of society who need to be preserved for tomorrow. These young populations are curious in most cases do not consider the consequences of their action. They are vulnerable and need direction and monitoring of their behavior. Chance should not be taken about their welfare but indeed the schools a comprehensive education on sexuality.
The act of curiosity among the adolescence denies them the chance to be given options of condoms. This is like jumping into the hot pan. One is automatic to be burnt. Schools that distribute condoms thus undermine the fight against the pandemic among the youth. It is advisable for schools to take part in condom education and other take holders do the distribution. This will ensure fair distribution of labor which leads to specialization.
Many infections in our present society are associated with sexual transition having sex with an infected partner exposes an individual to infection whether one uses or does not use a condom. A school encouraging its usage promotes carelessness with the thought of being secure. For instance, research shows that half of the HIV cases reported in the US are within the age limit of 25 years, all these are teenagers.
School distributing condoms is associated with promiscuity. Parents would reject their children from joining such schools. In the case of girls’ schools, the girl child would face resistance and condemnation. It is therefore important that the norm is respected by all.
When schools provide condoms they fail to provide proper advice on their usage. The success of condoms requires consistency and correct handling. For them to be used correctly, damaged, expired, water-based lubricant condoms are preferred. The package should be opened and removed with a lot of care before and after use. Effective provision of this advice has not been provided by the school administration. Nurses providing the service in collaboration with most schools have also not raised their voices on this. A better ground stand and condom distribution should be left in the hands of health officers at the health centers associated with the institution.
Lack of the consent of the parents in the distribution of condoms by most the school. The school administrator needs written permission from the parents to distribute condoms to their children. In the absence of this document and mutual agreement, the schools fringe the right of parents who uphold sex to be holy. Parents and religious churches understand sex as an institution that is meant for the married. Parental involvement in the family planning of their teens by the schools has not been achieved very much in schools.
Schools are therefore advised to incorporate sexuality education in their curriculum. This would facilitate free discussion on matters of sexuality and contraceptive services. Before this agreement is reached schools should not participate in the distribution of condoms.
Research shows that the use of the ABC strategy has been secreted behind the reduction of HIV in most countries. A – Which is abstinence, is basically for the unmarried and comprises the pupils in most of the schools. B means be faithful to one partner and is meant for the married. The use of the third strategy which is a condom is just an afterthought for those who can not control themselves. Human beings have an instinct and should not be seen as animals. They can adapt control mechanisms until marriage
In most cases, schools do not have programs that support treatment for teachers and students who get affected with STDs. Such programs can be adopted before the school can adopt the distribution of condoms in society.
Conclusion
Schools are known to be a center which provides education. Education is defined as information or knowledge in simple terms. When schools are allowed to ta the responsibility of distributing condoms then it neglects their duty. It should provide education on condoms its importance, where it is found and the risks involved when used. This implies that the distribution of condoms can be done by another party which is the stakeholders. This sharing of responsibility creates responsibility, specialization, eliminates embarrassments, and ensures that the school is not accused of encouraging sexuality instead of its education.
Work cited
Cullinan, K. (2004). No Condoms at School. Kampala, Uganda: New Version Publishers.
Lieberman, L. (1999). Condom Availability in New York Public Schools. New York, USA.
Nabusoba, I. (2005). Should Schools Issue Condoms? Kampala, Uganda: New Version Publishers.
Susan, K. (1995). Advocate for Youth: Condoms and Schools. New York, USA.
Susan, M. (2003). Condom Availability programin Massahusetts High School. Washington, USA.