Blame the debs’ ball organisers

THE director of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, Mary Crilly, is right to suggest that the provision of condoms to the guests at St Vincent’s secondary school’s debs ball in the city is “a knee-jerk reaction” (September 3) and, like most knee-jerk reactions, will do more harm than good.

It was very disappointing that the organisers had so little confidence that those who attended would behave responsibly.

In fact, the organisers seemed to assume there would be excessive drinking and casual sexual behaviour at the ball. Surely then we should be asking what it is that these teenagers have been taught about the value of human relationships? Have there been any real attempts at discussing, for example, how both alcohol and peer pressure can influence responsible decision-making?

Perhaps a greater emphasis on imparting life skills such as confidence and self-esteem may reduce the likelihood that these teenagers will feel pressured into certain behaviours prematurely. Providing condoms also seems to create the false impression that teenagers need only be concerned with avoiding pregnancy and infections when having sex. As we now know, many young people who engage in sex at a young age can have great emotional vulnerabilities afterwards.

Let’s hope that these young people enjoyed their debs ball without feeling disappointed at the lack of faith of their leaders in their ability to be responsible young citizens.

Anne-Maree Quinn

Maretimo House

Newtown Ave

Blackrock

Co Dublin