A Bitter Pill? Maine Middle School to Offer Birth Control
A Maine middle school will make a full range of contraception, including birth control pills and patches, available to students in grades 6 to 8 after the local school board approved the proposal this week.
At King Middle School in Portland, birth control prescriptions will be given after a student undergoes a physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner, said Lisa Belanger, who oversees the city's student health centers.
Students treated at the centers must first get written parental permission, but under state law such treatment is confidential, and students decide for themselves whether to tell their parents about the services they receive.
The issue has sparked debate across the country, and not surprisingly, across the iVillage boards.
Is this an outrage, or a necessary step to prevent teen pregnancy?
Some iVillagers, such as amcanmom, worry that distributing birth control at school would encourage sex, not educate kids about it: “I am all for having birth control available in school clinics--HIGH SCHOOL clinics. For middle school, keep out the dish of free condoms, for goodness’ sakes! I think providing the means to have sex at ages 11 to 14 would encourage these children to engage in sexual activities. By high school, I think that it isn't encouraging them as much as protecting them. Giving them the information is one thing. Giving them access is another.”
Others, such as member laurenjcg, worry about the health concerns that may stem from taking birth control pills at such a young age: “I realize that there are kids in that age range who are sexually active, and I'm all for sex education in schools--maybe a lot more education than they have now. But, I would be angry as a parent to find out that my child had prescription drugs I wasn't aware of. I can understand free condoms, because they help protect against STDs and don't cause chemical changes in our bodies. But the pill has side effects, and I don't think a child of that age can be expected to make an informed decision about that.”
Parents, such as member eghtyslady, think that the school’s proposal was inappropriate in the first place, and interferes with their roles as parents: “If I had a kid in that school the school administration would they hear from me … I don't think children of that age should be messing with their hormones. And they can receive confidential health care and decide on whether or not to inform their parents? What? If I'm footing the damn bills then I will have open access to all their records health or otherwise cause it's MY business.” Member isabella710 agrees: “Schools are for academics, not social issues.”
Some iVillagers, such as turdlewhipper, however, think providing students with more options to better protect themselves is never a bad thing: “It's providing them the means to have SAFE sex. Whether people want to believe it or not an 11-year-old is already quite equipped to engage in sexual activity. Considering that there are children in this age group that are already engaging in sexual activity the more education and opportunities to do so SAFELY, the better.” Member white.wave7 wholeheartedly agrees: “I think we are burying our heads in the sand if we think restricting access to contraception is going to stop kids from having sex. The fact is, this proposition is based on the number of pregnancies already resulting. These kids are already having sex. Who are we hurting if we offer them more ways to protect themselves?”
The whole issue may indeed be a bitter pill to swallow for some parents, but many, such as member ashmama, think the school board’s decision was a necessary one: “As sad as having to give condoms to 8th-graders really is, I think the school should proceed. This may be their one chance to stop a kid from getting pregnant, dropping out of school, or being sexually abused. I have no idea whether my own middle school offers birth control, but I certainly hope that if there are kids who need it, it is available.” She adds, though, that the school should also offer counseling with every birth control prescription: "No middle-schooler is mature enough to have a sexual relationship (and I speak as the mother of an exceptionally mature, responsible middle school daughter). Kids who choose to have sex need help sorting through their reasons for doing so, as much as they need protection from their own hormones."
What do you think? Should middle schools make birth control available to students? Share your thoughts.
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Normally this would be a parent's role, but unfortunately, many parents are not taking an active part in their children's lives. The number of students at the middle school who have stated that they are sexually active is five. The students are not given without counselling and they are also making every attempt to include the boyfriend in the counselling.
The concept of middle schoolers being sexually active is still hard for me to accept.
Keep in mind, the majority of the opponents of this program are those of us who know where our children are and who they are with.
I think the birth control is a good idea. Honestly, I don't know why a 6th grader would want to have sex, frankly I don't care, but for these students to have this option avaliable is a good idea. The only problem I forsee is that these children aren't mature enough or the faculty administering the birth control won't full explain how they work. The student using the pill has to be fully aware that they must take it at the same time all the time in order for it to be effective. I don't think its encouraging kids to have sex, I think that it will reduce pregnancy in stupid kids who think sex is soooo cool.
has any one ever thought the reason the girl wanted brithcontol so she could have a shorter period?
OK, so the unwanted pregnancies will be reduced, but you can't just hand birth control to an 11-year-old. They need to be educated about contraceptives. They need to know that the Pill won't protect them from STIs and AIDS. I don't think 11-year-olds are responsible enough to be using the Pill, and I don't think the school should encourage them to sleep around by doling out birth control to immature, uneducated middle-schoolers.
Yes, women take birth control to shorten their periods but clearly this is not why it is being introduced into school systems. I agree with most of these posts...it is important that middle schoolers learn about sex and it's consequences. I think I speak for A LOT of people when I say that at this age I was not even the slightest bit interested in having sex. Perhaps I was a prude. My concern is that by making contraceptives so readily available may put added pressure on kids who are not quite ready by implying a sort of "everybody's doing it" mentality.
I think this should be implemented in India also as every year Teen age pregnencies are growing
I'm all for education about safe sex, and starting the conversation at a very young age. But isn't Birth Control is a medication? What about the medical implications/side effects? When I was in school nurses couldn't even give Advil. Plus, if your 11 and your having sex that much I would be worried about abuse and manipulation of these young girls...just a couple of things to think about.
I agree with you Merri. I'm in favor of sex education and making these choices available for young adults. But I do hope the school is also implementing a comprehensive sex education program, as well as birth control education, and of course, counselling. 11-year-olds having sex. Wow. It's just so sad.
Although places like Planned Parenthood exist to handle the growing need for pregnancy and STD prevention... for these kids to have the option to go to the nurse in a school where they're likely to be known, or at least have personal information available to the health care professionals, is best.
This way they can get counseling, care and assistance in an environment they can be comfortable and potentially be accepted. The article mentioned the disbursement of birth control pill is dependent upon providing parental consent. And yes, the pill is a prescription, yes, but comes in varying grades of strength, so it's not like they'd getting horse tranquilizers instead of baby aspirin.
You can't start too early in keeping your children educated on just about any topic there is.
Sex education is no exception.
Great comment Kate!
I do think it will help kids get the support and information they need. They would be more familiar with a school setting, and the school health center would be more familiar with their health info.
What is wrong with people? This is just another step in the direction of no parental rights for parents. Wake up parents-stop dreaming about than new car and pay more attention to whats going on with your kids. Don't you know the school board has more control over your parental choices than you do?
Hi,
I didn't read the entire article, but I just wanted to say that I started taking birth control pills in the 7th Grade. They were prescribed to me by a dermatologist for my practically untreatable (I had tried other prescription medications) acne. I never felt like because I was on the pill the need to be promiscuous or have sex, nor do I think encouraging people to take contraceptives encourages them to have sex. The first time I had sex, I was 16 and had been (and still am today, 7 years later) dating my boyfriend. I was not and am not uneducated about sex, it was covered throughly during my time in middle school and high school. I've never been pregnant and I've never had an STD. I don't think people give young adults the benefit of the doubt anymore and that's a shame. Young adults for the most part do seem educated these days about sex and if they want to make informed decisions about their lives then so be it. Although, personally, I think people should be 16 or over before their first time.
I'm really curious... is this school allowed to give out aspirin to children complaining of headaches? That's a huge deal here, requiring a order from Congress almost - a note from the parent, a doctor, and a notarized statement swearing the child isn't allergic. So, these children aren't capable of knowing when they have a headache and requesting treatment, but we're going to let them wander in and pick up contraceptives? Is anyone else seeing the dichotomy here? It's surreal.
That said - if they're going to do this, it should be a full Planned Parenthood clinic, imo - let the students get counseling, information, etc. not just a pill-pack. The ones that are coming in and requesting it are thinking ahead, and making a smart decision. If that means kids having sex will be protected, then maybe not telling the parents is a small price to pay. But for every pack of pills they dispense, there should be a big box of condoms to go along with it, and a very detailed brochure about STDs.
First off, children have to be signed off by their parents to be able to access the medical clinic in the school run by the department of public health. Secondly, the kids meet with a nurse first, who counsels them about abstainance. However, if the child wishes to proceed, she is referred to a physician, who will further counsel her. Again, if she wishs to proceed, she is then given a full examination, and is prescribed OCPs. She then has to follow up monthly with the nurse to get her script renewed. At no time are her parents allowed to know the details of what is going on, only that she has accessed healthcare, but not the nature of the access or what is being prescribed.
You know what, that is the law in Maine, and has been for years. The only thing different about them doing it is that the clinic is operated in the school by the department of public health.
http://0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00053803.htm
It worries me that middle school students are having sex; however, the fact is that they are and I think that this school in Maine is doing the responsible thing by equipping kids with knowledge and protection.
That's great info Mel. Thanks for clearing up the fact that there's also counselling and full exams. IMO, it's like a Planned Parenthood clinic, which is good. I do think this is a very responsible course of action.
This is pitiful. I find it a sad sign of how bad the world is getting. I hope that when these children are getting 'educated' about sex, that abstinence is emphasized above all other birth control options.
Every day kids are forced to watch on tv, the radio and even in most stores ads that are sexualy mature, and they are told that sex is cool, that sex is normal and that it is the thing to do. The media is responsable as well as the parents who don't talk to their kids, If you want your child to abstain from sex, get them involved in a sport, or an activity that will keep them busy and goal oriented. Maine has a high teen pregnancy rate because it is a poor state that has nothing for the kids to do. They also have a huge drug problem. If you don't agree then you are wlking around blindly, everyone in maine knows someone who o.d. on methadone.
So now schools are playing parent, doctor and psychologist, when they already fail at properly educating. Pathetic. Schools need to remember what business they're in and let the parents handle the rest. If parents are letting their 6-8th graders take birth control, that just speaks to bigger issues. "At least she's on the pill" is just an excuse. Parents need to stand up and say no if their child wants this and teach sexual education appropriately, including how not to lose virginity at the age of 11-13. Gross.
I so agree with the last poster..parents need to handle if they want their child on BCP, not the school and if I ever find out the school did...heaven help them!
There is a lack of parental control in this district. There is a problem if the school is deciding to do this! The School IS NOT handing out birth control with skim milk @ lunch...when the students decide to get birth control they are educated by nurse, they have to see her EVERY MONTH! increase the number of birth control users or the number of abortions.
The Children with involved parents are not getting on birth control. All of those opposed were raised by parents who took an interest in their lives.
This is outrageous, and over steps parental control and the morals parents try to instill in their children. Birth control offered in high school would be one thing but in middle school, that is not the place. There are too many risks to taking the prescribed drug at any age but 11-15 is way to dangerous, just to offer to any little girl after a physical. The schools need to leave parental matters up to the parents and the doctor chosen by the parents. Birth Control Causes: blood clots, death, heart problems, etc. too RISKY!
But are we forgetting we're talking about 11-13 year olds? When is sex at that age okay? Being educated by a nurse doesn't make it right. Big deal. How about telling them "you want birth control? Go home, see mom, have her take you to the doctor." Why tax money should go to this is beyond me.
Saying 'well, they'll have sex anyway, at least this way they won't get STDs or get pregnant' is the lazy way to handle it. Lazy. It's giving up and saying "well, we tried, at least we got her on the pill." Pathetic.
I am in college, and most of my friends are just starting to use birth control. As for me, I am sexually active, but terrified to think of what those pills might do.
As physically capable as an eleven year old may be of having sex, and as sad as it is that mnay probably are, doesnt give a school the right to decide to pump hormones into their just blooming bodies. They are just learning how to use pads and they're going to give them pills? They just got their periods, they dont need to learn how to regulate their cycle yet! Especially with the wide variety of contraceptives available today: sponges, spermicide, AND male and female condoms!
Are they insane?! Kids are having sex younger, fine, I understand that. Offer well rounded sex ed classes that cover both abstinance and protection. Give away condoms and make them take a class on how to properly apply them. But NO ONE should give a CHILD birth control pills. These pills can have terrible side effects and should ONLY be prescribed for medical reasons and with the parents knowledge and consent.
The main problem with sex ed in any school is that is only covers half the story. They go into great detail to teach the kids the physical side: you might get pregnant or you might get an STD. But never talk about the emotional side. A condom doesn't protect against the emotional trauma of having an intimate connection with someone you'll never see again or the regret you may feel when you're older and fully understand what it means to share yourself with a partner.
And only abstinence offers 100% protection against the physical ramifications. Contraceptives give kids (and some adults) a false sense of security.
Trust me.. I'm all about preventing pregnancy. I also believe parents need to have an active role in their child's life because my own mom has done that.
However what concerns me is putting 6th graders on hormones. I'm only 18 and I'll be on my 4th brand of birth control next month. The side effects that come with birth control are truly unbearable and anyone who has struggled as much as me with finding the right pill would understand this. I can not imagine trying to deal with all these side effects in 6th grade with my body still growing and balancing out hormones naturally on its own.
I am very liberal when it comes to social issues like this, but honestly.. putting children on oral contraceptives scares me. I remember what a handful I was and how much of an emotional wreck I was at that age.. In my opinion if I was on an extra dose of estrogen on top of it.. I would've been a nightmare. I think this is going to create a whole new bunch of problems that we can't even imagine.
I didn't read the entire article either, but I am appalled at the thought of a 6th grader being given birth control at their school. Come on people, that's not even middle school in California. That's still elementary school.
I am the proud mother of three kids ages 7, 8 & 9 and I would have a caniption fit if they were given any medication without my consent.
In my view, it's okay for the school to teach children sex education but to make prescription birth control available to an 11 year old is crazy. Some girls don't start menstruation until their 13 or so.
Possibly advocate for the parents to get involved in the sex education and teach them about birth control. That makes more sense than allowing the schools to act as consenting parents.
I think it's great that the schools are doing this. Rather than giving sex a negative image, they're informing the kids about safe sex. I think all the schools should do this.
It's important to note that with this law, the school is not just going to give a student the pill like it's a regular cold medication. The health care professionals also acknowledge and realize the possible side effects of contraception, and that's why there are full examinations, and referrals to both nurse and physicians. Also, parents still have to give consent for the child to have access to the health center in the first place. If they want strict control over ALL their children's health choices, then they don't have to give consent. Period.
Thats crazy. its just going to encourage girl to have sex at younger ages and boys not to use condoms out of fear of pregnancy. Its going to spread more diseases and pumping all those hormones in a young girls body. 11yr olds dont need to shorten their period, thats the age where they need to be learning about their body and how to protect it
It really comes to the effectiveness of sex education. However, sex education can NOT only be the responsibility of the school but must be supported by the whole society. Its a cultural lesson to inculcate self value in young ladies; providing birth control is the easy way out.
I think,its at very early age to give out birth control.Parents should think their children healty.And at that ages,at school,students should be educated on other things instead of sex.Those can be history,geography,physic,maths etc.World is going down day by day.Why do our little children need sex at his/her 12 ages?Its not logical.S/he is just starting to know his/her body.Its just nonsense to use it before knowing it.
best things they shouldn't think doing sex , they can do home work or communuty work. lotsa stuff they can do. but sex .. that's not good . not at all.. they should tell them.. wait don't do it .. till when you understand love means also taking care baby,and family. if ...
giving pill or comdoms wrong . very wrong.
Even with birth control, accidents happen. If you aren't old enough to accept the responsibility of parenting, you should NOT be having sex. Period.
I have four girls and I would never want the school to give them pills. They are only kids they don't even know what realy sex is. They need to learn not to use it yet.
I think it is extremely revolting that a school can give out birth control to any body, let alone an eleven old girl.
American morality is truely going down the shitter. I'm only 20 years old and I believe parents should instill a little more fear in their children about the consequences of their actions. Giving an eleven old girl the pill? How about a course in abstinense.
they may see this as a quick fix but they are not considering the aftermath - emotionally unstable girls, hormones out of wack, they want to give pills to kids who probably find it hard to remember that they have homework due ....... if a 16yr is not old enough to consent to sex ... then what gives a 11yr the upper hand to consent to taking a sex related mediation ... with out parents even knowing .... what happens if the girl has a serious negative reaction to the birth control ..then who would be liable for that ????
I think the school has no right to start something like that. It's the parents role to talk to their children about safe sex and to place them on birth control. What kind of parents do these kids have if their 11 year olds are out their having sex? The parents are the role models and need to set good examples. What is that saying to a 11 yr old when you give them teh birth control? It's like telling them it's okay to have sex all they want because they have a high chance of not getting pregnant. It's almost like leaving 2 horney 17 yr olds in a hotel room alone for the night. What the hell was that school thinking and let alone how could the parents approve of it?
Middle schoolers are far too irresponsible to be taking birth control. I'm in my 20s and I forget take my pill at times, how are we to expect 11 year olds to be on top of it everyday and to read the literature and understand what to do next if they forget.
I don't think a course in school teaching abstinance is a problem solver, the students will just sit there rolling their eyes. Self-esteem, self-pride, and self worth are the most important factors here. A child should be taught to love and cherish their bodies, and if they truly respect themselves they won't go looking to sex for self fulfillment. If a child looks into birthcontrol or even condoms for that matter- a counceling session on self-respect should be required. Most children aren't lucky enough to have parents who will tell them that.
I teach math to 6th graders in an urban middle school and sadly have had pregnant 6th graders and quite a few non-pregnant but sexually active 6th graders. Obviously they are not learning mian stream "values" at home. Recently my 20 year old daughter came to my class to drop somthing off for me and my students wanted to know if she had any children yet. They were astonished when I said that in my house we had a rule: college degree, job, husband and then children. They absolutely could not believe that I would have that rule or that my daughter would willingly follow it, so Yes I think some kids need to receive birth control in middle school or we will all be footing the bill for their children for years to come.
Many of the people who use this health center are probably students who have limited or no health insurance and this is their only way to recieve care. As the article stated, only 5 students actually reported having sexual intercourse.
I work with middle schoolers and I know that these students are sexually active as well and misinformed because of the inadequate sex ed provided in most schools.
I think that the program will not encourage kids to have sex all over the place, but will send the right message that sex isn't stupid, but unsafe sex IS.
i really don't think 6 grades should be giving birth control. come on we are not even allowed to smoke before 18, why do anyone think they are responsible enough to decide they have to have sex and use birth control??? no wonder the infertility rate is getting higher and higher, cause we are giving our kid "stuff" that cab interfere with their homone earlier and ealier.
I think parents need to get real! Young kids are having sex! And they are having it in all forms! I was an 80's kid and I personally know of several girls who were sexually active in junior high. Todays parents were also 80's kids, and know damn'well that they would have sex at any chance they got. Nothing has changed! We need to stop being ashamed of sex and talk to our kids frankly about it. From oral, anal, samesex, you need to discuss it with your kids early!You don't want your kids learning this from other kids or the school. But it is good that the option is available to kids at school. You don't know what your child is doing all the time!You cannot watch then and know who they are running with. The bestfriends can also be sex buddies. which is the same thing all of us did as kids. Just think of your child as the way you were as a kid.Any chance to get oral sex or intercouse, most kids, no matter how young will do it! Just keep the lines of communication open,blunt and frank,and honest!
Those of you who think that this is giving kids permission to have sex are mistaken. It is simply giving kids who are having sex already the tools to do so in a safe, responsible manner. Teens are having sex younger these days, and as a result getting pregnant younger. Parents, particularly mothers, also work out of the home more now in order to make ends meet, but this has severed the bond between them in some cases and makes it nearly impossible for the children to go to their parents for something so intimate. If a teen is having sex, they should have access to birth control. Unless you would rather see them get pregnant, have abortions, and ruin their lives, that is. Birth control in school is a small price to pay for the safety of young teens who are engaging in sexual behaviors. I'm not endorsing sex in young teens, but if it is happening adults need to step up and give them what they need.
I think its great because honestly most children are going to say, "Hey mommy I want to have sex." Sex education is usually taught in the sixth grade. I believe that if the child is smart enough to put themselves on the pill they will take it right. However, the doctors needs stress the positives and negatives of the pill to the student. If a child whats to have sex they will find away and there is nothing mommy or daddy can do about, so why not try to reduce the number of children have children. I believe thats its better to be safe then sorry.
I was kind of on the fence about this. I just read a very insightful commentary and while i am not sure if I agree 100% with the author it made me think and do some more research.
here is the link if you are interested
http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/10/21/birth-control-for-children/
Giving birth control to 11 years olds? This is ridiculous. Have we forgotten that they are still children? That their bodies are still maturing as well as their emotional health. At 11 years old, children are still developing in so many ways and sex to them is supposed to "Eww, gross". What happened to promoting abstinence and waiting until marriage to have sex? What about teaching them that sex is more than just about the physical part but also emotional part? What about teaching them that sex is something between 2 mature people who love each other? It may be old fashioned, but maybe we should get back to that.
my only concern would be if it's a mandatory thing. I don't think schools have the right to force something. But if my kid doesn't feel comfortable speaking with me or her dad or a doctor about it I'd rather her get it safely from a offical she trusts. After all when she decides to grow up it's her choice. I just hope we can have a relationship functionally trusting. I didn't tell my mom when I starting doing things. And I never had birth control because I didn't want my mom thinking I was sexual. I don't need to discuss things like that. I had a open relationship that if I wanted to know something she'd tell me tactfully. I never felt embarrassed. But she didn't discuss personal mommy daddy things so we never talked about my personal buisness. I never betrayed her. I lost my virginity at the ripe age of 18. I was on birth control from the time I was 14. I snook to planned parenthood. I didn't think it was my mom 's buisness. She misundertands things all the time.
My biggest problem is that the 11-14 year old DECIDES IF they are going to tell their PARENTS or not...are you KIDDING? So here I go take my daughter to her Doc for her yearly physical & state that she is NOT taking meds for anything, yet SHE is taking HORMONES, My Period was not regular until I was about 15-16, a young woman's 1st years aren't always "regular" you ARE still developing sometimes. What they NEED to do it have seminars WITH parents THERE monthly to educate children & parents about Sexual behavior at the school & the findings (NOT mentioning names of course) and Counselors RIGHT there in case a situation needs to be discussed, not, here honey take this & You Don't have to tell your parents you're on Hormone altering drugs. No, I know not all parents are good at communicating, so provide THAT resource NOT freakin DRUGS!
I have to comment here. I totally agree with one of the previously posted comments as I work at a school district and we are not allowed to even think about giving the kids tylenol for a headache without tons of paperwork. There is no way this can be legal. BCP's are drugs, not just a quick fix so you don't get pregnant. And, 11-year olds can't get themselves up in the morning, do people really think they will remember to take a pill every day? I didn't when I was in my twenties!! I think this will encourage sexual behavior in kids that may not have even thought about it before. Just because some parents don't care about what happens to their kids, does not mean all parents are like that. Give parents a chance! There are good parents out there who consider this a slap in their faces. Parents, talk to your kids before someone else crams their morals, or lack of, down their throats!
I think the issue is a very challenging one for educators given the roles expected of them in todayâs society. however, as a former school superintendent, I had great concerns about the disdain shown for the school and the school board in this matter. I wrote about that aspect at:
http://www.openeducation.net/2007/10/22/did-maine-middle-school-stray-outside-its-appropriate-role/
Tom Hanson
When I was in middle school, I only thought of sex once in a blue moon. Sure my friends talked about it but we were all ignorant for the most part & we really didn't miss it! My school nurse back then was just some older lady (30-40yrs)who gave me a mattress pad if I was on my period! This is scary!!! The thought of the school counseling & prescribing bcp 4 ur child, then telling u that u can't know about the nature of the healthcare is B.S!!!! Yes I think the government is again crossing the line and trying 2 parent our kids from a high-rise office building in Washington...who the hell thought this was a good idea?!
Kids need sex education, even in elementary schools, but there's a way to do it that's age appropriate & without seemingly condoning the behavior.
Do we really think that giving bcp and condoms will curb teen pregnancy? Get real.It will rise becuz kids won't know when they're ready for that nor have any idea of the long-term consequences...hell, most adults don't understand the consequences!!!
I am, as always, concerned that these clinicians will be giving birth control to 11 year olds without ever once talking to their parents. I know that there are circumstances where kids are not safe talking to their parents about certain issues - but a parents has the RIGHT to know when their child is being given this kind of medication. And at 11 or 12 or 13 or 14, periods of just begun - who knows what kind of an impact that will have on a girl's future health (not just as it pertains to reproduction).
I am not a parent, but I do know that I would pitch a royal fit if anyone even thought about prescribing medication to my child without asking me.
That's wild! middle schoolers having sex? when i was in middle school, sex was the least thing on my agenda. I agree that there should be some form of contraception. If there is any form of substance being issued at school there should be a conference meeting behind all of it: (counsiling with the student and guardians, classes that inhance the knowlede of use, and most of all more guides of the consequences of haveing intercourse). 11-14 year olds are in a stage that their thinking grows more on sex everyday, which inhance them to experience. There should be classes that learn more about the risk of sex and not just the meaning of it.
While I understand many people have concerns regarding birth control to children. As a resident of Southern Maine and mother of a 9yr old daughter and an 11yr old son, I have watched the news and followed all of it. I would like to point out the people who are so violently opposed to this and were signing the petition to stop the policy, were elderly residents and religious opponents. Many people who truly have no idea what their children are up to. If you honestly think every child is going to go to their parents about sex and wait until they are married and 35 years of age then you my friends are in dire need of the education, not our children. Our children are having sex at a younger age weather we like it or not. So you can say not my child and turn a blind eye and then surprise, you are a grandparent.
This blows me away, if your neighbor handed your child birth control or any medication without your knowledge, that person would be thrown in jail and we would be fuming. Yet somehow people think the school is GOD? How DARE they give medication to my child without my knowledge. And how the heck am I supposed to know what to do if my child is on other medication. This is insane, and if I hear the arguement one more time of "Well SOME PARENTS are not as involved as others, so we have to give the 11 year olds somewhere to go" i am going to SCREAM!!!!!!! If you use that logic, then why don't the schools come into my house and make sure I read to my kid before bed, and make sure i feed her vegetables, and make sure she goes to bed at a decent hour, and make sure that she is not watching tv that is bad for her. WHERE IS THE LINE DRAWN? Next they will be cooking dinner for the kids , since "some parents are not cooking dinner these da
I was a School nurse @ a teen parent program. People do n ot realize tht this kids are going to have sex regardless of what you teach say or do, so at least protect them from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies that sometimes end up in child abuse court or coroner's corner. Let be real and see the light from the sun.
now im not a parnt but iowuld be very angry if i was and my daughter was on the pill and i dint know and plus that would probably make kids be more sexually active and fromm wat i know that is the worst idea ever but the condoms is a very good idea but only in schools that are know fr there sexually active kids
now im not a parnt but iowuld be very angry if i was and my daughter was on the pill and i dint know and plus that would probably make kids be more sexually active and fromm wat i know that is the worst idea ever but the condoms is a very good idea but only in schools that are know fr there sexually active kids
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! We are losing the ability to raise our children. It won't be long before the government takes over. Go ahead and laugh. Who would of thought about ten years ago schools would be distributing birth control and Viral shots? This is VERY disturbing. We are losig control of our personal lives because we choose not to control our lives including our children. Wake up, take responsibility for YOUR actions and your CHILDREN'S actions. Fight for your rights- if you haven't waited too long.
My middle school child canât remember to bring her shoes for a game but you expect me to believe if she gets birth control pills she will take them everyday at the same time? In a few years we will be hearing how for every pregnancy prevented another one occurred because of the pills and not taking them correctly or taking them just before sex.
What about all the parents that donât know that their child is taking the pill? What if they give the child something that will counteract the effect of the pill or have a bad reaction with them?
But the worst thing is that once again the problem is laid at the foot of the girls and the boys are getting away with being âA Boy.â They can have all the fun and not worry about the responsibility. Teen pregnancy is up what is the response, give birth control to the girl.
I became pregnant when I was 15 yrs old. Now 30, I cringe at the idea of teens having sex, especially since my son is 14, but the truth is that anyone who disagrees needs to hear a story of someone who did have a child as a teen. Or someone who did get an STD at an age that is biologically proven kids do not have the brain development to see consequences of their actions until at least age 18. Everyone always focuses on the aftermath of the pregnancy like keeping the girl in school, but how about the fact that I am 30 and I am still dealing with a horrible man that finds any reason he can to upset me through my child. In all of my great efforts to raise a good man, I have twice the job. I have to try and undo what his father does to him. His father was old enough to know better and never grew up. I grew up and can't believe I ever thought this was the right thing to do. Give them the option of birth control and condoms to keep them healthy and safe. They don't know better and they won't until they're 18.
I personaly dont think children should have the opportunityto get there contraceptive pills at school at that young age there bodys are not mature enough and they should be given courses in safety and abstinence an learn that virginity still exist claud 67
I personaly dont think children should have the opportunityto get there contraceptive pills at school at that young age there bodys are not mature enough and they should be given courses in safety and abstinence an learn that virginity still exist claud 67
And taking pills are not going to stop them from from getting std or aids if there not instructed properly. When they dicover the feeling of love they will be thankful for there sexual Education and more able to cope concerned for there health with side effects C M
Sex in 6th grade is a big mistake, and it is the role of both the parents and the school to inform children and counsel them. There are serious problems they can got into if they engage in sex: sexually transmitted diseases, pregnagncy, emotional scarrs. Just giving them the pill will not protect them, not even from pregnancy, as they may not use it properly. And think about all the hormonal side-effects of the pill on a body that is only beginning to develop its hormones.
Basia
I was already worried about sending my daughter to 6th grade at a middle school next year, and this just adds to it. I moved from a state that had Elem. school up through 6th grade, to a state where middle school is 6th-8th. From my point of view, this seems to be part of the problem. I know that kids sometimes start to experiment in the 7th & 8th grades, and it's a real shame that 6th graders are being forced to grow up even faster by them now being incorperated into middle school. It's bad enough for 7th grade students to be experimenting, but sixth graders are not even ready to handle the sudden influx of "adult" information, or how to reject it. They should be allowed to be care free kids for a while longer. Birthcontrol does not belong in a middle school period, but to have that kind of stuff going on in a middle school that also includes 6th graders is shocking! No wonder so many parents are abandoning the public school system. Birthcontrol can be very dangerous too incl. blood clots & stroke. God help us!
It is an existing problem, it's not like no one was having sex, they give out birth control and then they start having it. They already were, so the problem needs dealt with. Girls not fully physically grown should be protected from the risks of pregnancy, and future children from being born to parents unable to care for them as adequately.
What confuses me, is people don't seem to care about this, and instead care more about enforcing 100% asexuality which is more of an illusion anyway.
After reading most of the post I see a pattern saying that they may not be ready or its lets focus on sex education. I am 24 years old and let me tell you that a lot of these girls are having sex already and no matter what class we offer in the schools or pills we mandate they are still going to do it. I have had the pleasure to work with underserved young women and they all do it! Many of them deem abortion as a method of birth control and that is not cool. Many of them don't know anything about a woman's body. Teaching girls to refrain from sex may not prove effective depending on you demographic area. With peer pressure being the culprit how can we as adults stop them? I believe that we should educate them on STD's, the important use of condoms the availibilty of birth control etc.. lets be supportive because lets face it in this day and age 11 year olds are having sex and at an alarming rate! The media alone makes sex this huge golden idol, and with major networks like MTV, BET and VH1 pouring sexual thoughts
and images into their heads how can we or a community or the school system stop it?
I do agree with a comment I read about the importance of teaching these girls awareness and self esteem values, because THIS ultimately helps them. Being confident in yourself will make you care about your body and the things you are doing with it and that includes sex. I know that I would not go to a party and have unprotected sex with boys, because I value myself but a lot of these girls wanna be cool and accepted by thier peers. Many of them are not strong enough to say no or even say yes and use protection. If they are informed of these precausions and birth control methods instead of it being TABOO, maybe they will think differently and react to pressure differently.
Times have changed and these young ones are moving with the times we must also or be at the mercy of young teens being infected with AIDS, or unwanted pregnancies, high abortion rates and much more!
i was in the 6th grade in 1993 and i knew boys and girls that were sexually active, and being treated for s.t.d.'s and girls who have had babies as young as 11 years old! seriously. if the parents aren't going to pklay an active role in their childrens lives and talk to them, then they have to get it from somewhere. better the school than from friends, or, worse yet, someone trying to pressure them into it.
Article is very good. I think birth control programs should implemented in China and India. Most of the teenagers don’t know about the birth control precautions. They should be fully aware about these.
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Angel
Addiction Recovery Maine
If your talking to your teenagers about values and consider yourself a 'good parent', then why does this upset you so? Reality IS a Teen will make 'the choice' to have Sex and YOU won't be there when they do. Talk to your kids early and often about the risks of all forms of sexual contact and the fact that Birth Control Pills will not provide protection from STD's and HIV, don't use scare tactics because they simply don't work. Communicating with your teens about such topics will greatly reduce your risk of them dealing with a teenage pregnancy or STD , but ultimately "they" will make that choice.
It's funny how there are adults who are so quick to criticize and underestimate the maturity of a middle schooler but even at their adult age are NOT making "responsible" choices when it comes to SEX - Anyone look at the adult STD rates lately?? Divorce rates?? Teen Pregnancy is a much larger issue than most people realize. The real question is why does a teen that young feel the 'need' to have Sex in the first place?