Madam, – Some 45,000 third-level students are to be given a sexual health awareness pack from the Union of Students in Ireland (Home News, February 9th). I hope it will give a clear message explaining that intimate physical contact can be postponed while young people get to know each other and allow their friendships to grow slowly. Will the students learn from this pack that the only safe sex is faithful sex within a committed loving relationship? Do they know that it is good to keep yourself for the person who you will want to have a lifelong relationship with? Instant sexual gratification seldom leads to happiness or health.
Why are young people not being given the message regularly that it is normal and healthy to remain a virgin until you find a husband or wife? Those of us who are a little older need to look at how we can provide a more healthy culture for the young people who are so precious to us.
Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and everyone else must ask what is to be gained from handing out free condoms in student packs. Are they doing promotion on behalf of the manufacturers?
In spite of the recession, our students are still being exploited by a culture that tells them it can be safe to drink and have sex. The consequence is a dramatic rise in sexually transmitted infections. We need people who are courageous and caring enough to promote a lifestyle that is truly healthy and happy. – Yours, etc,