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- SEX ED: Elementary Students Given Condoms
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On June 10, Cape Cod voted unanimously for a sex education policy that allows all children, elementary and high school alike, to seek out a counselor and obtain condoms without parental consent. Public outcry, including that of Democratic Governor Deval Patrick, are forcing district officials to reconsider an age limitation to this new ruling. The Provincetown School District, the smallest in the state of Massachusetts, will take another look at the sex education policy that created a firestorm last week, reports School Superintendent Beth Singer.
MOMism: “There is no magic number.” Ohhhhhhhhh MAMA! We know that the question is not if we have “the talk,” but when. And, who do we want talking to our kids about sex? Do we want to give school districts the authority to discuss this with our kids…and at what age? Is there a magic number, or does it depend on the child? For many O-MAMAs, the "birds and the bees" discussion carries moral and/or religious connotations and providing access to condoms without parental consent just plan stings.
But, what about those kids that don't have engaged O-MAMAs? Is this simply a public health issue? Are we as a society responsible for providing information to minors that will empower them to protect their lives from the diseases and ramifications that can occur from unprotected sex? Perhaps this is merely an extension of Science and Health education, curriculum that must be covered to accomplish our covenant to educate the masses in public school. HELP MAMAS...what is your opinion?
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Noelle81177
This is why I homeschool. It is NO ONE'S job-but mine and my husbands- to even attempt to teach my young children about sex. I understand teaching how the body functions, what constitues "good touch" vs. "bad touch" and what makes us all different, but to have the NERVE to step over boundries like that is reprehensible- at best. I don't give a rat's butt how over sexualized SOME kids are, do not punish me and my right to parent my children because some children are out of control. NOT HAPPENING!!!!on 07/09/10Reply -
rochesternative
I would like to respectfully disagree with knodceo. I also teach in the inner city...although I teach Pre-K. Even THERE I have to address issues of appropriateness as the music, MTV etc. is so overly sexualized. I try to address this with the parents individually if I have a concern. I also teach the girls to sit "like a lady" if they are wearing a dress and make sure to congratulate the boys if they are "acting like a gentleman" The Center for Missing and Exploited Children does a wonderful age appropriate presentation on "Don't touch me/staying safe" (It's free although they do accept donations) This all does have to start at home, but when the parents are young sometimes we the grown-ups have to address it with the parents as well. And the issue with the condom distribution is not the distribution I think, but that it can happen without parents KNOWING. That is a violation of the trust between the school and the parents. Children are just that. Children. They are NOT capable of making adult desisions, and we need to recognize that. Furthermore, the schools have made the problem worse in places by having MIXED classes of SEX-ED in the elementary grades. Hello! How shall we teach of modesty and approprate behaviors in a co-ed enviornment. I have three boys 14,12,10. This is a topic I have addressed with them since they were about 4. Obviously in the begining it was how their bodies work, and now how they should treat a girl and where their hands should and should not be.on 07/08/10Reply -
knodceo
I taught in the inner city in first grade and had a student give another student oral sex...so condoms are needed at any age and need to be told about the risks of any type of sex. Whatever happened to no one touches you there. My other concern would be where would they even get the idea to do such a thing at such a young age. I think I wasn't even kissing in elementary school. My mom, a principal, said that there are middle schoolers, MIDDLE SCHOOLERS, having babies! Can you believe it...so pass out condoms, through in a depo shot while your at it...no babies until they can drive at least! WHAT HAS OUR COUNTRY COME TO, IF KIDS ARE HAVING KIDS!!!on 07/06/10Reply -
ocmama
Stings is right! I don't want anyone talking to my kids about SEX, let alone passing out condoms without my knowledge, in 5th grade! What if the school had a MANDATORY meeting with parents of 5th graders and educated them about what is going on with 11 year old these days and encourage them to have the "talk" and give them tips about it??? Yikes.on 07/06/10Replyknodceo
How can they have the "talk" if they are children themselves? And what parent wants to think about having the talk with elementary age children...on 07/06/10Reply
