'Chantelle', from London, in the UK, writes:
I'm a first year journalism student and researching teenage abstinence and how it works or doesn't work in different countries around the world. I would just like to say I am actually in support of teenage abstinence because I think that it would make a difference for the better in our society today but I'm really not encouraged by Marylou's approach to it and not surprised that not a lot of teenagers are interested. Its just full of vulgar sexual implications and connotations when that is precisely what is trying to be avoided. The slogans and catch phrases are crap and it does look like a bit of a joke. I think I could do a much better job and I think that Mary Lou's campaign makes a complete mockery of such a serious issue. The approach should be sensitive and supportive to teenagers specifically and be something they can relate to, without preaching or sounding condescending. I know there are lot of young girls who have lost their virginity who regret it because that would have rather waited, namely me, but instead of regretting, the older teens should use their experience to advise the younger generation without pressurising them but at least letting them know of the other option, which is not to have sex at all. The media promotes sex so its difficult for teenagers to be able to make their own decisions without being so influenced. If anyone would like to reply this, with any of your views, agreeable or not, I would really appreciate it.

I guess they've stopped teaching literary comprehension in journalism classes, Chantelle, or you might have twigged that an article that contains lines like: "The reason I'm doing this is because I believe there is a blessing in waiting for your husband before having sex — even if that means having to stuff nettles down your panties for thirty eight years," might just be satirical...