WITH the high rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in teenagers and the raging debate over whether the relevant authorities should make condoms available in schools, the Observer hit the streets of Kingston to ask: Would you support the government distributing condoms in schools?

Stephanie Joseph, media worker:
I think it would be a good thing to protect the children from HIV and other things.

Stacey, house keeping:
It can be good, but that alone won't solve the problem. Parents must tell their kids that having sex can get you pregnant or give you AIDS, and that they are to go to school to learn and that sex can wait until after.

Sean Jones, vendor:
If the gov't want to do that, I am for it. We can't just sit back and allow things to get out of hand. The children are the ones getting infected by AIDS or something. We also need to educate them about sex - education is the key.

Santana Lamont, graduate:
Yes, they should because the children are having sex in school and you can't stop them.

Sandra Collins, vendor:
I believe the condom must go into the schools. Right now the HIV thing out a hand, so I believe condoms should be in schools.

Richard Simmons:
That difficult. A guh man guh school fi learn. Him no guh school fi sex. Mi nuh know how that fi gwan.

Richard Nolan, school coach:
Condoms in schools? I think the government should because if you don't give it to them, they will go out and get it anyway. We have to protect our children and teach them about sex. If we can do something to cut down on the teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, yes.

Joan Reid, vendor:
No problem. Most girls and boys are having sex, so why not? It better to be safe than sorry.

Allian Beckford, hostess:
If you can help them to protect themselves by doing it, then do it because they can't be stopped.

George Orgill, vendor:
Good Idea. But putting condoms in schools alone won't make a difference. One of the key things lacking is proper parenting and open communication between parents and children.

Aljuray Mckenzie, police officer:
I think it is a good thing. Children are going to have sex and if they are going to have sex they might as well do it safe. I think it is a way of teaching safe sex.

Jennifer Willis, restaurant worker:
Might as well because they are well exposed. Some will accept it and some won't, but this generation of children know more than we did so, I think they should.

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