UK Scout Association has launched their new guidance to promote good sexual health amongst their members. Leaders will now be able to give confidential sexual health advice and ins some cases they are even allowed to give out emergency condoms on trips to the almost 500′000 scout members.
Picture credits Mark Surman
Now to get hold of these emergency condoms either your physical or mental health must be likely to suffer as specified by the Fraser Guidelines. Actually condoms are the ultimate survival kit anyways. With the rigth education you can start a fire or create emergency water carriers. Isn’t that what the scouts are about (there you have it critics!)? But of course it’s not just about condoms:
The new guidance covers sensitive issues such as where to obtain contraception and pregnancy testing and what a Leader should do if they suspect a young person feels they are being exploited or coerced into a sexual relationship. The new advice also includes guidance on activities that Scout Groups can include in their programme in order to promote sexual health.
I probably don’t have to mention that this move has alarmed traditionalist claiming that this move could inspire young people to have sex earlier. It is interesting to note that some of the critics are not alarmed by the fact that Britain has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Europe.
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“Suggested activities for older Scout Groups include: discussions about different religious beliefs regarding sex; organising ‘how to say no’ role plays; asking Scouts to identify where they stand on an ‘issues continuum’ between agree and disagree with various points of view and for Leaders to ask Scouts why they have chosen to stand where they have.”
Sorry no condoms…
Posted by: Alan | October 20, 2008 at 2:30 pm
@Alan: Thanks for your thoughts, although if you read their factsheet they talk about contraceptive treatment and I very much think that might be condoms. The Daily Mail comes to the same conclusion. Or did I missunderstand your comment?
Posted by: Simon | October 20, 2008 at 3:06 pm