condoms in Bermuda's schools.

But the Hon. Quinton Edness said he wants to be sure there is support for such a change.

"I don't have any problem with a policy of condoms being available in the headmaster's office, or somewhere where children can get them without embarrassment,'' Mr. Edness said yesterday.

But, "there is a school of thought that if you're going to make condoms available, you're going to be accused of encouraging children to be promiscuous and to have sex when they otherwise wouldn't.'' Mr. Edness said the argument is a valid one, and "the country has to discuss this.'' He added he hoped Bermudians would come down on the side of assuring that both condoms and counselling are available to children who are going to have sex.

"I think it would be confined to secondary schools and the (Bermuda) College.'' Shadow Health Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome said that if such a change was to happen, it should be after consultation with parents and PTAs.

And easy availability of condoms in schools, or instructions about their use, could prompt some young couples to have sex when they would otherwise abstain, he said.

Mr. Bascome said the number of children born out of wedlock in Bermuda makes him agree that the Island should be "on alert'' about the problem of unprotected sex.

Mr. Edness said the Advertising and Publicity Association of Bermuda is working on a scheme to encourage Bermudians, and young people in particular, to be more careful about their lifestyles and practise safe sex.

"It is a fact that many young people are sexually active, and if they are sexually active, then one of the things they ought to know is how to protect themselves.'' Most people are diagnosed with AIDS between ages 20 and 39, meaning many contract it in their teens and 20s, he said.

The best way for children to be educated is in the home, but children do not always discuss issues like sex with their parents, he said.

It is hoped the multi-media AIDS prevention campaign will be ready when school returns in September, Mr. Edness said.

The Hon. Quinton Edness.