PROVINCETOWN, Mass. -- Elementary school students in Provincetown would be given condoms – whether their parents approve or not – under a policy approved by the town’s school committee last week.

First grade students can ask for the condoms, though the policy requires that students speak to a school nurse or other trained counselor before receiving one.

Dr. Beth Singer, school superintendent, said since there is no age limit on the distribution policy, she wanted to ensure that younger students requesting condoms receive information on their use.

“We’re talking about younger kids. They have questions they need answered on how to use them, when to use them,” Singer said.

Singer said that although sex education is taught in health classes, there isn’t any detailed instruction on condom usage.

The board voted unanimously to approve the policy, which states that the school district will not honor requests from parents that their children not be given condoms.

"That should be a parent's decision to say if condoms are available to their children," said summer resident Charlie Hanson.

"I would rather parents say they don't want their kids to have sex instead of saying I don't want my child to have a condom," said Singer.

The policy contains a strongly worded statement that the district does not approve of sexual activity by students.

However, if students engage in sexual activity “against our better judgment,” they are urged to use condoms, the policy states.