Can condoms be given out to high school students?

The Growing and Developing Healthy Relationships curriculum support material reflects a philosophy where abstinence from sexual activity for school-aged students is the key focus. It also emphasises a positive preventative approach, and safer sex strategies which take care not to normalise sexual activity for school-aged students. Where appropriate, condoms may be used during a health education lesson on contraception. It is not, however, the school’s role to distribute condoms to students.
The Department of Education does not support the installation of condom vending machines in secondary schools.
Secondary school students have access to school health nurses who can provide developmentally appropriate information on sexual health, including contraception. Where appropriate, students may be referred to relevant health services.
Health and Physical Education provides students with the skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain positive healthy relationships. It develops students’ abilities to make informed and responsible decisions about health and well-being for themselves and others; and develops the skills needed to make informed decisions in a range of contexts, including healthy relationships and sexual health.