Kids of 13 given secret condoms
By BEN ASHFORD
Published: Today
CHILDREN as young as 13 are being offered free condoms at school without their parents’ knowledge.
All “non-faith” secondary schools in Manchester have agreed to let their nurses hand out contraceptives and advice about sex.
The move is aimed at reversing the city’s rising teenage pregnancy rate, which is 50 per cent higher than the average figure for England.
But critics branded it “quite wrong” and said it would encourage under-age kids to have sex.
Parents are NOT told when schoolkids ask for contraception or advice, although mums and dads were consulted before the scheme was introduced.
In theory the service could be offered to 11 and 12-year-olds.
But local council sources said any evidence of sexual activity among children of that age would trigger an investigation.
Eighty primary schools are also teaching pupils about relationships, conception and birth.
Nick Seaton, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “Handing out contraceptives in secondary schools simply works as an incentive.
“This sort of thing should not be the purpose of schools.”
Manchester City Council said: “We are working to ensure young people have the means to avoid unwanted sexual experiences and practise safer sex.”