When should sex education be given?
Sexuality Articles | July 17, 2012
Sex Education for students
With the skyrocketing rates of teenage pregnancy despite control measures, the question of when sex education should be given to a child sprouts. Parents are often shy to discuss matters as sensitive as sex with their children. It is at such a juncture that sex education through a third party is sought out. While most adults think it is inappropriate to talk about sex with a child, others think it to be a prerequisite to curbing the occurrence of teenage pregnancy. Whatever the view of people may be, experts think it is right to start early as long as the method of teaching is appropriate and not misleading.
Start Early
If you are a parent and wish to teach sex education to your child, you must make sure that you are gentle and the flow of information is continual. Start early on age i.e. before your child looks up for other sources of information on sex, such as magazines, internet and movies. When you tell your child what each part of his/body are called, also teach him/her where his/her penis/vagina is. You may gradually add on to the subject as the baby grows up.
Be Polite in your Gesture
Ensure that you don't scold your child if he/she happens to giggle while you are imparting sex education. Identify with his/her juvenile curiosities and feelings. A calm approach can make the flow of information between the child and parent comfortable and smooth. You may start explaining the significance of relationships. Sex education should be taught to school going children.
Explain the Basic Rules
Pass the ground rules of sex education for children to not touch each other below the waist. These rules may help children who belong to a very young age group to understand what they should and shouldn't do.
Do not Force the Conversation on your child
There is no particular time as to when sex education can be imparted, but one must keep a note of the time when it is taught. When one should be taught sex education depends on the level of curiosity in the individual. You may choose to wait for the topic to arise on its own. Young children may feel embarrassed to be asked to participate in a conversation on sex.
Study your Child's Behaviour
Watch out for your child's interest in watching certain specific television channels, seeking time off from family affairs, him/her acting as if inquisitive about his/her peers' body parts, etc. If you see any of these behaviours in your child, it is perhaps time to sit at the table and get talking about sex and its significance.
