Condom Distribution

Elliott 1

Jackie Elliott
Mrs. Woodall
English 9
2 April 2014
Kids and condoms should not be mixed
Recently there has been large controversy over whether condoms should be distributed in schools during sex education classes. The side for condom distribution argues that condoms should be distributed because they protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While the side against condom distribution says that it is immoral and promotes teenage sex. Condom distribution is unethical and should be stopped because it gives teens mixed messages about having sex, which they are not emotionally mature enough to handle yet and condones premarital sex. Condom distribution needs to end because it makes teens think that it’s normal to have sex with more than one person and condoms make it safe (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). A two year study at the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that 12 years olds that are exposed to sexual content in the media are more likely to become sexually active within the next two years
(Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). When teens as young as 12 are exposed to sexual content they think that it’s ok to have sex and then in a few years when they’re handed a condom they could think that premarital sex is expected of them. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that 46% of US high school students have had sex and 14% have had sex with four or more partners (Witherbee). Condom distribution is telling kids that it is absolutely ok for them to be having premarital sex with more than one partner and that it is safe. Although condoms are

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not always safe, a recent study has showed that there are approximately 860,000 teens pregnant every year (Witherbee). That is a huge amount of pregnant teens and having four or more partners is extremely risky and immoral. Influencing teens to have premarital sex and into thinking that it is safe is why condom distribution needs to end.
One of the most important reasons that condoms should not be distributed is that teenagers are not emotionally mature enough to handle the intimacy that comes along with having sex (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). Condoms protect people from unwanted pregnancies and STDS, but they do not protect against emotions (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). In the US teens can’t drive until 16, vote until 18, and drink until 21, so we shouldn’t be promoting premarital sex in middle school and high school (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). Having sex is one of life’s biggest decisions so we shouldn’t be encouraging teens to make it by distributing condoms at such a young age.
The distribution of condoms in sex education classes is immoral. Distributing condoms can make kids and teens think that sex with multiple partners is normal, which can lead to an increase in infidelities, pornography use, and divorces (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). The bible clearly states that you are not to commit adultery or have premarital sex (
American Standard
Version
.Exodus.20.14). Therefore the distribution of condoms goes against Christianity and creates bad morals within underdeveloped minds of society.
One of the main reasons that condoms should not be distributed in schools is that teenagers are receiving mixed messages about having premarital sex (Chittom and
Carson­Dewitt). Most parents teach abstinence and tell their kids that they should wait. While many teachers in modern times are giving out condoms. When teenagers see sex in the media

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and are handed condoms they could think that it’s ok to have premarital sex with more than one partner. Having two opposing sides, both being strongly presented to teens, causes them to get confused. Professionals have said that teens prosper when their expectations are clear (Chittom and Carson­Dewitt). Condom distribution should end because its existence is confusing teens.
On the other hand, some people believe that condoms should be freely distributed in sex education classes because they protect against STDs. Condoms are currently the only known physical protectant against STDs (Rich and Sprague). Even though condoms protect against
STDs, there are still three million cases of STDs in teens every year in the United States
(Witherbee). Although condoms are the only known physical protectant against STDs, the best protectant, that has a 100% guarantee, is abstinence. Teaching only abstinence in schools will not only protect teens from STDs, but it will provide them with good morals and not risk confusion. In conclusion, condoms should not be distributed in sex education classes. Distributing condoms would promote premarital sex and send mixed messages. Teens would be confused between two of their most important role models; their parents and their teachers. Even though condoms are one of the only protectants against STDs the best protection is abstinence. Condom distribution in sex education classes at schools should be put to an end because it confuses teenagers who are not emotionally mature enough to handle sex and promotes unethical practices. Elliott 4

Works Cited Chittom, Lynn­nore and Carson­Dewitt, Rosalyn. "Counterpoint: Condom Distribution Sends
The Wrong Message."
Points Of View: Condom Distribution (2013): 3.
Points of View
Reference Center
. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. Rich, Alex K. and Sprague, Nancy. "Point: Condoms Save Lives And Should Be Freely
Distributed."
Points Of View: Condom Distribution
(2013): 2.
Points of View Reference
Center
. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. Standard American Version. Bible.com. LifeChurch.tv, 2014. 30 Mar. 2014. Witherbee, Amy. "Counterpoint: The Problem With Kids And Condoms."
Points Of View:
Condom Distribution (2013): 6.
Points of View Reference Center
. Web. 18 Mar.
2014.

Cited: Points Of View: Condom Distribution​  (2013): 3. ​ . Web. 13 Mar. 2014.    Points Of View: Condom Distribution​ (2013): 2. ​ . Web. 14 Mar. 2014.    Standard American Version. Bible.com. LifeChurch.tv, 2014. 30 Mar. 2014.    Condom Distribution​  (2013): 6. ​