Teaching kids about sex doesn’t have to be daunting.
The internet is changing everything when it comes to teaching kids about sex. While children getting access to internet porn is a concern, there are several people and organizations that are building incredible tools for healthy sexual education so that kids and teens are better prepared for a safe, consensual and natural exploration of healthy, human desires.
Cath Hakanson, author of The Sex Education Answer Book: By the Age Responses to Tough Questions Kids Ask Parents about Sex, has a phenomenal resource for parents of children of all ages with a wealth of articles on when, how, and why to start teaching your children about love, sex, relationships, and consent. Visit Sex Ed 101 on her website, Sex Ed Rescue, for an extensive list of articles and visit her resources section for boot camps and workshops, printables, and videos.
Amaze.org is another fantastic resource for adolescents and teens. Published on Youtube, their fun, animated videos address topics like sex and disability, gender identity, safety, sexual orientation and more, and they’re now offering amaze jr., too, a series of videos for children ages 4-9.
Award-winning Scarleteen, now celebrating its 20th year, has offered up queer-friendly, progressive and inclusive sex ed for young people since 1998. Edited by educator and activist Heather Corinna, the site addresses topics like healthy body image, gender identity, STDs, safety and consent, sexual orientation, relationships, and sexual health and advice, and features message boards, live chat, and even text/sms, with questions generally answered with 24 hours. Scarleteen also offers outreach, training and referral services for teens who need to access to sexual/reproductive healthcare services, counseling and more.
Today, I work with many adults who never received appropriate, healthy sexual education and perhaps are still working with challenges due to body image, lack of knowledge or skills, or disability. This is why I do what I do. Please reach out if you need help, advice on healthy sexual practices, or you want to better prepare yourself for educating the next generation. I have a wealth of knowledge, connections, and resources to share with you (and if you’re looking for some great sex ed books for children or adults, please check out my resources page under the books tab). Here’s to a happier and more informed, pleasurable world!