Myth-busting Monday: Comprehensive sexuality education for children can prevent abuse (sexual and non).
This is true (ish).
For some, it is uncomfortable talking about sexuality with their children. This is understandable given the taboo nature of sexuality in our culture and the limited, imperfect education most of us had in general. Parents and caregivers don’t know how to talk about sex with young people. They are afraid it will somehow awaken their sexuality (….we all enter the world as sexual beings so this isn’t a necessary concern – sexuality exists even in the womb). Plus, where does a parent even start with such an overwhelming topic?
It feels easier to stay silent. But that silence speaks volumes and perpetuates silence, avoidance, and shame. Children will then seek out information from less ideal resources like peers and media.
Certainly children learn enough about sexuality at school?, not necessarily. Education at school is often not enough – not all states require sexuality education and even some that do do not require that information to be medically accurate (how is this possible???).
Parents and caregivers must invest in their own education and that of their children’s, if not for education for its own sake, for protection from abuse by helping children (and us all) be more aware of their bodies and emotions (like fear) and have the language to describe them; relationship health; predatory behaviors; consent (in sexual encounters and otherwise), etc.
It should be noted that teaching these topics more fully might not stop abusers – for example teaching them about consent likely doesn’t matter. So in some ways, education might not prevent abusers from abusing but it might help others from being victimized or seeking the help they need. (Emily Nagoski, the sexuality researcher, has written about this some in her emailed blogs)
Interested in sexuality education?, your own?, or how to talk to children about sexuality? Consider one of my sexuality education and counseling events, from book clubs, to yoga, to a sex positive parenting support group – my events and our community can ease these topics, offering information and starting points. (Follow events here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/allison-mitch-41024584863 )
Thanks for reading, community, and for doing the intergenerational justice work of pursuing comprehensive sexuality education for yourself and the children in your life. Happy myth-busting!
Resources to consider:
Research:
1. https://www.nsvrc.org/resource/2500/key-finding-comprehensive-sexuality-education-primary-prevention-strategy-sexual
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40609-019-00143-6
3. https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/-/comprehensive-sexuality-education-protects-children-and-helps-build-a-safer-inclusive-society
4. https://mcasa.org/newsletters/article/comprehensive-sex-education-in-schools-as-primary-prevention
Organizations that monitor and promote accessible education:
1. https://siecus.org/
2. https://www.glsen.org/
……………………………………….
The above content and graphic were created by Dr. Allison Mitch, PT (DPT), RYT500; sex-positive, trauma-informed sexuality counselor and educator (she/her/they/them); copyright protected, please cite accordingly.
To schedule a one on one session with me, please see: https://calendly.com/ignitewellbeing-naperville
For more offerings that support sexual well-being, please see: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/allison-mitch-41024584863
For more information on my offerings or to work with me directly, please email ignitewellbeing.naperville@gmail.com
Please consider supporting me and my work via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ignitewellbeing