The report regarding an HBSC survey on youth culture in Malta (June 23) says among other things that the Curia ordered the students in Church schools not to answer the questions on sexual behaviour. These referred to intercourse, the contraceptive pill and condom use. This is an outdated attitude which certainly does not help educate young men and women.

I am sure that students who attend Church schools are very much like children in other schools and the Curia must know that they face the same problems in every field including sexual behaviour. The Church has every right to teach that sex before marriage is wrong and that any form of contraception is prohibited. However, it cannot run away from the fact that these are used and instead of turning a blind eye to such a situation it should try and explain to youngsters how they should behave.

I understand that the Church cannot condone certain aspects of sexual behaviour but it cannot act as if these problems do not exist even among some students who attend her schools. Young people today need help and advice as there are so many of them facing problems in their families. This is where the Church should step in instead of banning children from answering questions which could very well be pertinent to these youngsters.