School Sex Board Game Criticized

Family values campaigners in the United Kingdom have criticized a new board game created to spread the safe sex message among teenagers. The developers of "Contraception" hope it will help cut rising teenage pregnancy rates and increase awareness of STDs. But a campaign group says the game is a "stunt" and will not have a positive impact on the number of teenage pregnancies. Targeted particularly at 13- to 16-year-olds, the game works by directing players to sources of advice. Participants are also encouraged at various intervals during the game to make an assertive statement, showing their ability to decline unwanted sexual pressure.

The board features a condom demonstrator, allowing practice with using this type of contraception. The game was developed in line with the Department for Education and Skills' sex and relationship guidance and in association with the Department of Health's Teenage Pregnancy Unit. Barbara Hastings-Astourian, who devised the game, teaches community nursing. She said, "Teenage pregnancy rates are higher in the UK than much of Western Europe -- six times higher than in the Netherlands. One of the best ways to address this is to provoke informed debate about safe sex and contraception."

But Robert Whelan, director of Family and Youth Concern said, "These things reflect the preoccupations of middle-aged people who work in health programs.They have little to say to young people today. Children don't take these things seriously -- if only the people that promote this stuff knew about the hilarity with which young people react to these things, they would give up."

"Contraception" was tested at Crompton House Church of England School in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Head teacher David Bowes said, "There is nothing salacious or unpleasant about this game -- I can see it forming a part of our sex education classes in future."

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