Studies have shown that a majority of students who are not using condoms would if they were available to them through their school. I believe that the school board does not realize how high the number is of students who are sexually active. If this number was presented to them through statistics and testimony, I believe that I would have a very good chance at changing their viewpoint.
Issue Claim.
School personnel, such as nurses and counselors, should make condoms readily available to sexually active high school students because the number of students who are sexually active, not using protection has increased significantly over the years.
Fleshing out the Solution.
There is not a simple solution to the growing number of teenage students have unprotected sexual intercourse. The issue of teenagers having unprotected sex is definitely a problem because studies have shown that "fifty-three percent of high school students nationwide report having had sexual intercourse during their lifetime forty-seven percent of those students failed to use a condom during their last sexual intercourse (Raab, 48)." There are thousands of views on this issue, however with the new studies and advanced research that has been done, there are some answers. Public schools should be required to have sex education classes for their students that preach abstinence, but also have them educate the students on sex and what is safe and unsafe. The facts and myths of condoms should also be a focus in the classroom because many students do not know what is true and untrue about condoms. The teacher should emphasize things such as "positive beliefs about condom use, reiterate that condoms do not reduce sexual pleasure, confidence in knowledge of correct condom use or negotiation techniques, and helping the students realize that condoms are effective and protective." Also teachers should let the students know that discussing condoms with their partner is an important factor.
