The plans have prompted outrage among family groups, who say it will encourage promiscuity among teenagers.

The proposal is part of a new government strategy which goes further than ever before to try to cut the UK's soaring teenage pregnancy rate.

The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in western Europe and the second highest rate in the developed world.

Do you agree with the decision to distribute contraceptives in secondary schools? Or do you think it will encourage teenage promiscuity?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Your reaction

The job should be done either by parents or the health authority

Nancy, UK

No I do not agree with this decision. I do not believe that it will either increase or decrease promiscuity. My concern is the involvement of schools in this issue. Schools already come in for enough hassle regarding sex education, or the lack of it. Why should I, as a teacher be giving contraceptive advice to young people? I have had no training in this matter and think that the job should be done either by parents or by the health authority. I understand that health workers would be providing the contraceptives within the school but why can't they do this in a suitable environment?
Nancy, UK

Children having underage sex would be breaking the law. So if children are given condoms by their schools and then participate in sex, the parents should see the school authorities prosecuted for openly abetting a serious crime.
Baz, UK

At least they have the means to protect themselves

Bodie, UK

Teenagers have sex. Teenagers will continue to have sex whether their parents like it or not. At least this decision will mean that they have the means to protect themselves from disease and unwanted pregnancy. Those who think it will promote promiscuity and add to the decline in moral standards need to wake up and take a look at the real world.
Bodie, UK

I can see that the family structure in the UK as in other parts of Western Europe is already failing. Giving contraceptives to children in secondary schools would not solve an inch of the problem but would likely lead to even more promiscuity among young people. What the UK needs is a stable family structure in which children can be well raised. But what do you expect. With the advent of all sorts of uncensored materials from music, to movies and outright pornography on the internet, I fear for the future of children in so-called developed countries. These things definitely have a negative effect on our children. The root cause of high teenage pregnancies should be tackled.
Oliver John, Netherlands (Nigerian)