California school board OKs condoms at middle schools

The San Francisco Unified School District school board has unanimously approved a controversial decision to distribute condoms to middle school students.

School officials say the policy change comes after survey results show some young students are sexually active. The plan is part of San Francisco Unified School District’s effort to further prevent sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy.

Kevin Gogin, the district’s director of safety and wellness says that 5 percent of the public middle schoolers surveyed are sexually active. Of those, 3 percent are using condoms.

In addition to supplying condoms at middle schools, the superintendent’s changes recommended eliminating the exemption option for parents. Parents would still be notified annually about the program.

Studies of high schools in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago found positive effects of condom availability programs.