When does sex education for children start

Suggestions for sex education for children start around the age of 3 and gradually guide them through age appropriate methods. The content of sex education mainly includes five aspects: physical cognition, privacy protection, gender equality, adolescent changes, and safe sexual behavior.

1. Physical Cognition

During early childhood, children can use picture books to help them recognize the scientific names of body parts, such as penis, vagina, etc., and avoid using vague pronouns. Teach children to understand which parts are private and should not be touched by others. At this stage, the focus is on cultivating children's correct understanding of the body and establishing a healthy body image.

2. Privacy Protection

During the pre-school stage, it is necessary to strengthen privacy awareness and teach children how to refuse inappropriate contact. You can practice how to say 'no' through scenario simulations and inform children to promptly inform trusted adults when they encounter uncomfortable touch. Parents should also be careful not to expose their children's private parts in public places.

3. Gender Equality

The concept of gender equality should be conveyed in the lower grades of primary school to break gender stereotypes. Prejudices such as "boys cannot cry" and "girls must be gentle" can be corrected through daily interactions, allowing children to understand that gender does not affect personal value and development choices. At this stage, we also need to start discussing the diversity of different family structures.

4. Changes during Adolescence

Senior elementary school students need to explain in advance the development of secondary sexual characteristics, including the physiological principles of phenomena such as menstruation and nocturnal emissions. It is recommended to conduct science popularization 1-2 years before physical changes occur to alleviate children's anxiety. Science popularization videos or anatomical atlases can be used to visually demonstrate the process of change, emphasizing that these are all normal signs of growth.

5. Safe Sexual Behavior

During the secondary school stage, education on safe sexual behavior should be included, including knowledge of contraception principles, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and other related topics. Provide scientific sexual health information while respecting children's privacy, emphasizing the principles of mutual respect and informed consent in intimate relationships. At this stage, we can discuss how to identify and address security issues such as sexual harassment. Sex education is a continuous and gradual process that requires parents to adjust the content and methods based on their children's cognitive development. It is recommended to use natural opportunities in daily life for education, such as explaining body hygiene while taking a shower or discussing relevant plot points while watching TV. Maintain an open attitude, encourage children to ask questions, and avoid stigmatizing sexual topics. At the same time, parents should continue to learn scientific education knowledge and form an educational synergy with schools. If you encounter difficult to answer questions, you can consult authoritative materials or professionals with your child. Good sex education can help children establish healthy gender concepts and interpersonal relationships, and is an essential part of their growth process.