sex education when and how?

Question

who should be responsible schools or parents when is the appropriate age and how do you approach the subject

Answer 1

I think that it should start out being separated between genders because female questions may be uncomfortable for the boys and vice versa. It would probably give each sex a little more comfort.

I think that schools/a professional should teach it because there are some parents that completely have no idea how to approach it and end up just avoiding it altogether (mine).

Answer 2

The question of who should be responsible is unneeded. Parents ARE responsible, it's just that some parents neglect their duty and schools are forced to pick up the slack. As far as when to educate the child, I feel that the most important thing is to have the foundations of good communication in the parent/child relationship so the child can feel free to ask questions whenever they get curious. A parent who is involved with their child's life will be able to provide age appropriate sex education at a very young age. I feel that waiting until after or during puberty is a big mistake. Start as young as the child can handle without violating their innocence. Kids will hear the word "sex" at a very young age. While you don't want to explain the mechanics of intercourse to a two-year old, you can deliver a definition to their curious (although innocent) mind that will satisfy them and let them know that they can ask more questions.

Answer 3

Ultimately I think it is the parents job to talk to their kids about this, but seeing as how most parents don't feel comfortable to brooch the subject I think school should be the back up plan. So I think it should be taught in schools and by the parents. The good thing about schools is they will have tools parents don't have to show the kids the scientific part about sex ed. They will have videos and power points. Things parents can't offer kids. Also kids may not listen while their parents are talking and make listen in school where it is not as uncomfortable.

I think a good age is when the kids are in 5th grade. I forget how old you are at that age. It is right before they hit purity and it is a good time to not only talk about sex, but about the changes their bodies will go through. Plus with kids learning about sex earlier these days because it is everywhere you may want to consider doing it a little earlier. Watch you kid and see if they have any questions. If they bring it up I would talk to them about it.

There is no easy way to do the talk. I would practice before hand. There are lots of books to help you on the subject. I would get one and read it before hand. Set some time on the weekend to have the discussion with your kid. It is important. Then you can know you did all you could as a parent :)

Answer 4

Both schools and parents are responsible for sex education.
The appropriate age should be between 9 & 10 years of age.
There should be a subject Sex Education, and 2 periods shoild be given for it, per week, homework given, parents responsible to help solve the questions at home , duly signed and dated. In school, a question box is placed on the teacher's table, and all doubts are inserted in the box to be solved during the oncoming period. The questioner can be anonymous or put his name as he/she feels.
To start off this method can be followed and more efficient ideas can be improvised seriously, in this way a lot more future generation will benefit, especially girls and boys to,leading to a better future.

Answer 5

Parents generally, but schools should also teach it and at age 11 or near that. The educational videos are a good way to approach it, since it makes sure they remember it and it's detailed.

Obviously they should be taught the 'don't let people touch that' younger, but unless it becomes a problem the rest could wait till 10-11.

Answer 6

As a sexuality educator and someone who works in the family planning field, I say the first line are parents. And from birth. Sex ed isn't really about intercourse, but about bodies, relationships, communication, puberty. So it's what's age appropriate. Schools should have a part in it, too, because it's a part of science. But having a health teacher or someone like me talk to a kid 4 times a year about sexual health? That's not enough.

Answer 7

Parents should be responsible, but schools are taking on more of a role in it all the time. Appropriate age is probably the first time they ask about it. Obviously you'll tell a four year old differently than a 12 year old, but you can use your own judgement. I don't imagine there is a wrong way, so feel safe telling them whatever you feel is proper.

Answer 8

As soon as a child asks, parents should be prepared to explain whatever is appropriate for the age of the child. My son first asked me when he was about 7. As he got older, I explained in more detail with more specifics. In school, I feel it's totally appropriate to start teaching about the reproductive systems of both genders by or just before kids start hitting puberty (around age 12 - particularly for girls). However, the classes they made us sit through in high school were a joke.

I want to add -- it's important for schools to cover this. It's science of the human body. It's natural and normal and kids should learn about the human body and its reproductive organs.

Answer 9

I think it is down to us, the parents. Once we know that the children are ready to listen without going into big details and introducing the subject slowly putting emphasis on the moral and emotional issues (relationships, respect etc).
I believe that by doing it this way, the children have less chances to see sex as a bad thing or something they need to experience at an early age to see what it is like!

Answer 10

Ideally, the parents would be the preferred educators. Unfortunately, so many parents did such a terrible job that the public had no choice but to let the schools take up the slack. The students absolutely must be made aware of the risk of STDs.