Optimal Time for Sex Education: A Parent’s Guide

Sex is no more a taboo, but sex education in children still is!

Even today, a condom Ad on TV makes the channels flip. Teachers in high school still skip chapter nine. Even the uber-cool elders dodge a question on intercourse.

Although everyone is aware of sex, no one is comfortable talking about it! 

Health Education in Children – Parents, Beware of The Wrong Teacher!

When the right person does not guide, the wrong sources will surely do. Free porn, MMS, and other such resources answer their curious queries. But these graphical contents meant for entertainment do not talk about the important aspects of sex.

The erotic materials available to young minds do not talk about safe sex. It does not show the ugly reality of STDs, HPVs, and HIV. They don’t touch the subject of the health hazards of unsafe sex. The mental perils of multiple relationships. And the emotional trauma of early maturity. 

Unfiltered information about sex on the internet has promoted early sex among teenagers. Sexual debut before the age of 16 is coined as early sex. And early sex increases the risk of many diseases including cancer and depression.

Also Read: Health Risks of Casual Sex

An alarming trend of early exposure

The new-age movies and digital web series have oversimplified the concept of sex. Today, Z genres are vowing for “one-night stands” and “friends with benefits”. Casual sex is their scene that starts early in their teens. 

Early sex is not a problem of traditions and customs. But science says early sex should be avoided for medical reasons. Many pieces of research validate the dark shades of early sex. 

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Research Quotes on Early exposure in Children

1. Research on the Risk of Pregnancy and STDs

Research shows that an early sexual debut before age 15 often happens without protection. This increases the risk of pregnancy and STDs. These teens are also more likely to have a history of substance abuse. They often find themselves in a puddle of emotional problems.

2. Research on Early exposure and Disturbed Psychology

Another article published in science daily illustrated the issues with early sex. It read, “Teens who start having sex significantly earlier show higher rates of crime in later years”.

It reports a national study conducted on more than 7,000 youth. The study found that adolescents who had sex early showed a 20 percent increase in delinquent acts. As compared to those whose first sexual experience occurred at the average age for their school. 

3. Research on Early exposure and High-Risk Behaviour

Another report reveals that early sex is associated with high‐risk behaviors. It highlighted the increased risk of risky sexual behaviors, forced sex, physical dating violence, and becoming pregnant or impregnating someone.

Survey says males who have early sex debut are more likely to be aggressive. They are prone to antisocial behavior. Females who start early are more prone to depression. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression

4. Impact of Early exposure on Brain Development

Early sex also impacts the developing brain in the adolescent years. Teens who indulge in sex have higher levels of depressive behaviors. They are more susceptible to suffering from higher levels of anxiety.

Also Read: Single Child Syndrome

The language of warning signs!

• If a child below 12 years keeps touching their genitals then it’s probably not because of sexual reasons. Children are curious creatures and they are just curious about their body.
• If they mimic a sexual act then probably, they have been exposed to one!
• If they show sudden signs of anxiety, fear and depression, then they might be experiencing child abuse.

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Their right to the right information

Children today live in an environment that is highly exposed to sexual language, images, and behaviors. They are constantly bombarded with sexual information even before they are ready.

Plus, the gush of hormones and their changing body adds to their confusion. It is their right to get the right education from trusted sources. That’s why it’s very important to talk about sex education in children. 

It is imperial to educate today’s children with the right knowledge about sex. It is an important step toward their safety. A proactive role from parents in sex education also prevents sexual abuse in children. 

Sexual information shared at the right time builds a healthy child-parent relationship. They feel secure to open up to their parents. This is a big step in protecting the child against sexual predators.

The high prevalence of early sex coupled with its associated high‐risk outcomes underscores the necessity of sex education in children. The right knowledge imparted in the right way positively impacts the sexual behaviors of the child.

Also Read: Single Child Syndrome

What’s the right time to talk to your child?

Gone are the days when maturity dawned at 18. Kids as young as 12 are open to exploring their sexual desires. And this debut age is decreasing with every decade.

As such parents and educators can’t wait until a high school class to impart the knowledge.

The spine-chilling cases of rape and juvenile crimes have raised the alarm. And it’s high time to raise the curtain. And let the light of the right education lead their way!!!

The knowledge about body awareness should begin before puberty. The basics of “right touch and wrong touch” set the foundation in a child’s mind. And it’s not just the girls who should be educated, young boys should be taught about consent and the right sex.

Once, the child hits puberty, their body will start changing. They will experience the havoc of hormones. And they would face the delusions of deciphering these changes. That’s the time to step up and help them understand the phases of life and sex.

That age of maturity is different for each child. Hence, having a close connection and gauging their level of maturity would help best to decide the age!

education in children – How to do it?

First of all, talking about sex does not mean encouraging it!!! So, let go of all the hesitations and open the unread chapters of the biology book.

But sex education is not easy. Young minds are fresh and easily capture information that might get tweaked in their heads. Hence, elders must be very careful while delivering sensitive information. Below are a few points on how sex education can be framed.

1. Don’t make it a hush-hush thing for the child

Rather than avoiding things with sexual contexts, it is important to mold their vision in the right direction. If the child asks about rape then tell them how bad it is! If they ask about consensual sex then tell them it’s more beautiful when it happens at the right time!

2. Build your own values

Before speaking to your child make a clear picture in mind on how open-minded you are. Create your own values about sex. Don’t portray sex with a negative image. Teenagers tend to be more attracted to entering the prohibited zones!

3. Think twice before you act once

The closest and most trusted sources of knowledge for a child are his/her parents. Always behave consciously when the child is around. Do not undress in front of the child. Don’t indulge in sexual behaviour when they are around! Don’t ever think that they are dumb!

4. Do not use pet names for private parts

Researchers say using the correct names for body parts helps to create comfort with one’s body. Also, nicknaming private parts adds to the mystery of things. Secrecy is rather not a good option in adolescent years.

5. Do not overshare

You don’t have to tell them everything at once. They are already battling with hormones and body changes. An overdose of information might just create another turmoil in their tender minds.

6. Consult an expert

When in doubt always consult an expert. Be it a child counsellor or a peer parent who is acing this game, don’t be hesitant to ask for help. It’s important to tell them about sexual diseases and early pregnancy but in the right way!

7. Build believable narratives

Share real stories of sexual abuse and sexual devastation with your child. Help them better understand the actions and their consequences. They are smart enough to understand the subtexts.

8. Engage them in interesting activities

It is very important to control the screen exposure of your child. Try to engage them in other activities that might interest them. Be it road trips or fun games, vacations or outdoor games. Engage with your growing child as much as you can without getting intrusive!

Final Takeaway!!!

Sexual intercourse is the most fundamental, powerful behavior on the face of the earth. It has the ability to give life. But it can also potentially take life and change any number of people’s lives forever. Hence, take a step to talk about sex. 

Build a comfort level on sex talks before your child hit puberty. And break the news when they hit puberty, bit by bit!