In a day and age where powerful school boards marginalize parents, I commend the Westbrook school system for taking steps to include the community in their decision-making process. My hope is that they are approaching the process with an open mind ready to respond to local community values and standards.

All too often I hear condom proponents state that kids are going to do it anyway so we can’t just stick our heads in the sand. I have to assume from that statement their heads are already in the sand. Here’s a new idea. What if we equip teens to succeed and strive for excellence rather than equipping them for those times when they fail? When a teen becomes sexually active, they have failed to use good judgment and self-control, behave modestly, and demonstrate genuine respect for themselves and others. Doesn’t it make sense to reinforce those qualities of good character every moment your child is in school? It is undoubtedly true that some kids will act in an irresponsible manner choosing to become sexually active but it should be the job of parents and families to guide them in protective behaviors consistent with their own values not the schools.

Parents, take back your schools and demand high standards for your kids. If children are failing, maybe it’s time to return to the fundamentals of basic character. This would not mean forgetting about the sexually active teens or leaving them out but rather refusing to leave them behind by honestly communicating what is in their best interest. With sandy heads raised high, we should recognize what they really need. I can tell you it is not a pill or condom. It’s a caring adult in the context of a close relationship who sees their potential and sets clear limits and expectations leading to their success.

If your house is on fire, does it make sense to stand in the bath tub? You need to get out right? Would you teach your kids that the bath tub is a choice if they thought the fire wouldn’t spread before help arrived? That’s absurd, get out right? Sexual activity for a teen can be dangerous, damaging, and destructive just like a fire out of control. If sex is like fire, why are we thinking about teaching our kids to stand in the bath tub while all around them their house burns?

Jason O’Meara

Portland