what do you think about early sex education?

Answer 1

If parents start talking to their children about the typical issues that come up at a very early age, kids learn about sexuality in a very gradual and natural way. Very young kids notice the difference in male and female bodies, and if they get a simple, age-appropriate answer ("Yes, you have a penis because you are a boy. Your baby sister has a vagina because she is a girl"), they grow up being comfortable with talking with their parents about sex.

Anyone who has spent any time at all with young kids knows that it is natural for them - especially for boys, since their "equipment" is more obvious - to touch their private parts. That's an opportunity for "early sex education" - to explain that the parts that our swimming suits cover up are private, and while it can feel good to touch those places, that's private behavior that we don't do where other people are watching. It's OK to do that in your room, but not at church and not in the front yard. It's also an important opportunity for parents to help their kids avoid abuse by explaining to the child that private parts are private, and that only people like the doctor, parents or babysitters (when helping with toileting or bathing) are allowed to touch those parts.

As long as we answer questions honestly as they come along, kids arrive at puberty with a lot of basic information. They still will need more information about adult sexuality, birth control, STDs, responsible behavior, respect for oneself and ones partner, etc. But if we have been talking with them all along, it's much easier for everyone. So early sex education is a very natural thing, and it's a good thing. Kids should get good, honest answers to their questions at all ages.

Answer 2

First off, the earlier the better. Any child under the impression that a girl might grow a penis after taking Viagara is appallingly ignorant and desperately needs to be educated.
Consider for a moment the incredibly large number of people infected with an STD. Take into account the extremely high number of unwanted pregnancies, etc., and tell me this is a bad idea.
Ponder also, if you will, the large number of uneducated and uninformed people who have even restricted their reproductive activities to their moral beliefs such as marriage.
Even they, without an education and without safe sex practices have a disturbingly high level of STD infection and virtually flood the system with assistance claims for children they are unable to fully provide for on their own.
The earlier, the better. Regardless of religious or moral beliefs there is an incredibly high level of risk involved if one is not made aware of the dangers.
Parents of course, are obligated to inform and educate their offspring. That does not mean that schools should not. They are established for this purpose- they are paid to educate and inform their students.
Only good can come from it. Nobody has ever proved, so far as I'm aware, that an education is a dangerous or wasteful thing.

Answer 3

I think it is a necessity. There is so much out there and the kids talk and have a lot of wrong information. When I first heard on a TV interview (with Katie Couric) you should tell your kids about oral sex by age 10 I was mortified. ( I had no idea what it was until many years past 10 that is for sure! ) But the reality is the kids need to be armed with the RIGHT information. My son came home one day from school - he was around 10 or 11 at the time and asked me if it was true that girls taking Viagra could grow a penis! Then I knew it was time for me to talk to him!!!

Answer 4

Someone said to teach them "right around puberty." I think that would be too late. Kids are reaching puberty at earlier ages and (as you boys know) the hormones start running wild!

I think parents should try to teach the basics at home (just casually, normal conversation... lord knows there are plenty of opportunities while you're all sitting there watching TV... not pull them aside to have "THE TALK"). I think that's the best way to form healthy attitudes about sex and a strong sense of sexual safety.

Too many people are taught that it's shameful or dirty which then turns it into a joke when people talk about it in public (like school). Kids who don't know anything are the ones making up stories and situations. If your kid is taught right from wrong, they'll know the BS when they hear it.

Answer 5

If it is in the 8th grade right around puberty then it is very becoming. I have not a problem with that. I think it is something a teen will always remember. The advantages of sex-ed at that age are many. They abstain, or have safe-sex, avoid preganancy, stds, and other harmful substances. This educations is a tool rather than a weapon.

Answer 6

I think we need to preserve the innocence of our children as long as possible, however, if they are asking questions, they deserve truthful answers. For sexual education, I think the youngest grade that should be educated in that is grade 6. Anything below that may know a thing or two about sex, but it is too early to teach them about sexually transmitted diseases, how to use a condom, ETC.

Answer 7

How early? I think anything earlier than 12 needs to be left up to the parents.

Answer 8

The earlier the better, The truth is what will save lives.
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Answer 9

At least 6th grade, esp. for girls. I teach 7th grade and am shocked at how many of the girls are sexually active--with much older high school boys!

Answer 10

There should be MORE of it!! Hats off to you.