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When Do Kids Learn What about Sex?

July 10, 2009

Parents often wonder when to teach children about different aspects of sexuality. An article from the latest volume of the American Journal of Sexuality Education has very interesting data comparing parents’ answers today to those provided 27 years ago.

According to journal editor Bill Taverner, M.A., the biggest areas of change are:
Genital differences – age 5.2 (today), age 3.6 (1982)
Sexual abuse – age 6.9 (today), age 10.8 (1982)
Childbirth – age 7.3 (today), age 4.7 (1982)
Human reproduction – age 7.5 (today), age 5.8 (1982)

Other topics were discussed by parents when their children were ages 9 to 11.5, with a year or less change from 1982.

It’s interesting that parents are talking about sexuality topics later today than they used to, with the exception of sexual abuse. It may be that increased media reports about sexual abuse have raised parents’ fears. But wouldn’t it be great if kids got a sense of their bodies as wonderfully beautiful, acceptable, and capable of great things — like good feelings and reproduction — before they learned how their bodies might be abused and hurt?

Written by MDavis · Filed Under Buzz on the Birds and Bees 

What’s your question or concern about children, teens and sexuality? Drop me a line or make a comment, and I’ll address it. You may also find answers in my book, Sexuality Talking Points, or purchase a private phone or in-person consultation. See the Product page to order.

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