‘Hotshots’ Hot Among Seventh Graders

CATHERINE  CHIANG

Staff Writer

In today’s world, sex lurks behind every corner and in every movie rated PG and up. High school students are getting it on in television shows so it isn’t any surprise that more and more teens are following the example. Luckily, protection is available. However, the problem is that condoms are not “one size fits all.”

A Swiss company is manufacturing extra-small condoms, dubbed “Hotshots,” for young boys after research showed an increase in the number of sexually active 12- to 14-year-olds. Since regular condoms may be too large for this age group, these are smaller in diameter.

Perhaps normal condoms do not fit because, well, they shouldn’t. Despite how sexually-conscious our society has become, it’s still not right for 12- to 14-year-olds to be having sex. After all, these are the kids you see making armpit farts and blowing spit bubbles.

It’s not just social convention; kids  aren’t ready to have sex. Although their hormones may be raging, they do not possess adequate emotional maturity. There are also the physical consequences of sex—unwanted pregnancy, STDs—not entirely prevented by condoms, even a shiny package of “Hotshots.”  And making condoms for children is like saying sexual intercourse is acceptable—just as long as they use protection. Society’s green light on prepubescent sexual activity will only drive teens to more reckless behavior.

Though the manufacturer’s intentions were irreproachable, the effectiveness of these condoms remains to be seen. Would any male walk into a drugstore and ask for some extra-smalls? The solution is simpler than re-sized contraception. Before letting kids run loose with their own foolish decisions, educate them. A combination of both abstinence and sex education gives students the knowledge to have safe sex, or avoid the sticky subject altogether.