Comments on: STD Tests–Now a High School Near You!

By: karinova

karinova — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:11:57 +0000

@Clare:
You’d (of course, I mean the generic “you”) might be surprised how far from “actual sex” you can be and still get an STD, (especially now that some of the really easily-transmitted ones have become widespread again). I hope they impress that on the kids as they’re offering this service, so that more of them choose to opt in. Because hey, there is no downside, so why not?

By: Clare K. R. Miller

Clare K. R. Miller — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:37:12 +0000

Actually, this already is at a high school near me, because you see, this is the same program (or based on the program) that has been in Philadelphia for a few years! (Isn’t it nice to have some good news out of PA?) I remember doing this when I was in high school, in fact–or rather, not doing it, since I had never come close to having sex. I thought it was a pretty cool program even then. I like the anonymity of the urine sample, even though some friends and I did joke about how it was so not necessary for us…

By: mischiefmanager

mischiefmanager — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:52:47 +0000

This sounds like a great program and a clever way of encouraging participation without stigmatizing anyone.

@baraqiel: I wouldn’t assume that getting an std as a teenager means you don’t have an open relationship with your parents. I think sometimes shame can play a part in the kid’s decision whether or not to tell the parents. If you got the talk and you and your parents communicate and the whole thing, and you still end up getting the clap, you may feel that you failed them. As a parent, I’d hope my kids would come to me,but I’d still want the confidential option to be available to them.

By: baraqiel

baraqiel — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:44:36 +0000

@BeckySharper — I know, I completely agree with you. I’m trying to say why Lockridge’s argument about involving parents is a bad one (but obviously not saying it very well).

By: BeckySharper

BeckySharper — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:21:44 +0000

@baraqiel: No one’s forcing them to do anything in this school program. They can opt not to submit a sample and no one will ever know.

According to the pilot study, 68% of the students who attended the lectures chose to give a sample–about 500 hundred kids. Would those same 500 have said, “You know, I should get tested.” and then looked up their local PP, made an appointment and showed up for testing? Highly unlikely. This is a really valuable program that serves people who otherwise would not be getting tested.

By: baraqiel

baraqiel — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:14:52 +0000

@BeckySharper — well, unless they were “forced” by the school and not told that they could just go to PP.

You’re right, though. I have a very trusting and open relationship with my parents and if I’d needed STI testing in high school, I would only have notified them. No consent would have been sought.

By: BeckySharper

BeckySharper — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:54:32 +0000

@Spark: For STD testing, anyone over 12 in every state and DC. For things like abortion and other medical procedures, I think it varies by state.

By: Spark

Spark — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:48:20 +0000

Does anyone know at what age patient confidentiality applies to children? (I know it’s in effect by high school, at any rate.)

By: BeckySharper

BeckySharper — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:16:56 +0000

@baraqiel: I think it’s safe to say that the majority of teens probably wouldn’t even give their parents the chance to consent or not consent to testing them. They just wouldn’t talk about it, period.

And in every state and the District, teenagers can be tested for STDs confidentially and without parental consent. But like I said, most of them won’t seek out the testing, so this program does them a huge service by just bringing it to them.

By: baraqiel

baraqiel — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:08:32 +0000

Ummm. I’m not a parent, so maybe someone with kids can enlighten me about this, but it seems to me that if your teenager has contracted an STI, it is a good bet that you are not comfortable enough with the idea of your teenager having sex to consent to an STI test.

Besides, the reason that parental consent is needed for sports and field trips is because minors can’t sign waivers for themselves and the school doesn’t want to get sued. I’m not sure how providing an STI test to someone could expose you to liability issues unless you violate their privacy somehow.