How to educate your teen about sexual health?

Risk Content: Over the years a lot of things have changed within the society and how we perceive things. But even today also, one thing has not changed, and that is talking about sex education being treated as taboo in Indian society. However, it is now the right time to take the initiative in terms of sex education for youth and teens. But the question is how to start, how to talk to children about sex openly, and how to educate them on it. As per experts, it is crucial to educate your children about sex at the appropriate age and in the right way. Also, it is the parent’s responsibility to monitor their children; sexual behavior and to provide them with appropriate sex education information.

Overview

A child is a gift of life and is valuable and majorly loved by its parents. But they are also a huge the responsibility for parents to look after their well-being and keep them safe. And to do the same it becomes an important task to create healthy boundaries for their kids, as sexual abuse is much more common today. Every parent, educated or not, should teach their children and give them sound values, including sexual education, to build a safe environment. Children are active, dynamic, and enthusiastic and are always eager to know what they see, hear and feel. Parents should take care of them, especially at puberty, as they deal with many physical, hormonal, and mental changes in their bodies. At this point, they may be sexually harassed, and thus there is a need for sex education by mom or father for a child to be guided, nurtured, and protected appropriately. To start with, introduce your children to their private parts at an early age and include body names too. Also, give them all detailed information about bad and good touches, which can help them protect themselves as they step out of their home.

What is sex education?

Sex education is referred to as the sex education information that has to be given to teens and youth about sexuality. This information is now available from several sources, which can have a more negative impact than a positive one. Teachers can give education, and health educators, but the parents themselves give the best form of sex education. Parents play a vital role ins sex education with their children because they sit down and talk to their kids about sensitive topics. Sex education by mom to their children is best as the bonding between them is unique and the space is safe for this sensitive topic. Giving your children this education is necessary as it helps them grow up healthy, responsible, and knowledgeable. Sex education includes mainly a description of the reproductive system, male and female external genitalia, sexually transmitted infections, the process of reproduction, etc. It also lifestyle diseases like AIDS and STIs and how to avoid them through safe sex practices. Nowadays, sex education is part of many school curricula worldwide and is not only meant for those who are still attending school but also for those who have already moved on to their next phase. The main aim of sex education is to break the silence about sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the types of sex education?

Sex education for youth is necessary and is often taught by parents, school teachers, social workers, and guidance counselors. Sex education given to the youth is the education given by sex educators to teach them reproduction, sexual intercourse, eroticism, contraception, sexual anatomy, and non-penetrative sex. As per experts, every child and youth should receive both information and education about sex, as it helps them to understand the psychological changes during adolescence and adulthood. The best way to offer sex education information is through conversations with lecturers, which can be formal or informal. There are five types of sex education, discussed in detail below:

• Abstinence-only sex education.

This type of sex education is the most extreme of all others. Its primary goal is to delay sexual activity or eliminate it, with teen pregnancy being the primary concern. The education based on this ideology treats sexual orientation as a choice instead an inherent aspect. This education encourages abstinence and is the best sex education for youth as it tells them they control their bodies, enabling them to choose when to say no. It also includes personal fitness and interpersonal relationships.

• Comprehensive sex education

This is the second type of sex education information for teens on how to be sexually responsible through information, skills, and resources. This education assists them in contraception, disease as well as infection prevention, sexual abuse, interpersonal relationships, etc. It is a broad term that includes a range of topics that refer to sexuality and sexual health. The information includes details about body image, gender, human anatomy, abstinence, contraception, human reproduction, pregnancy, and safe sex. This also involves sharing broad knowledge regarding sexual attitudes, birth control methods, sexual health and behavior, sexual pleasure, sexual orientation, and sexually transmitted diseases.

• Abstinence plus

It is a broader term and offers education from a broader perspective that combines information in terms of contraception with an emphasis on risk avoidance. Abstinence is stressed until marriage, but students are offered many other essentials for healthy sexuality during adulthood, including safe sex practices and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Many programs are organized that teach all techniques of birth control etc.

• Refusal skills sex education.

This type of sex education involves teaching children about refusal skills and contractions and exploring abstinence and self-respect. In this type of program, the main focus is on preventing pregnancy instead of sexually transmitted infections. The educators offer knowledge and details about laws regarding sex between minors, contractions, and pregnancy.

• Contraception sex education

This is sex education for youth and includes details about contractions comprising abstinence, condoms, female diaphragms, fertility awareness methods, hormonal contraception, etc., along with access to these resources. This type of education teaches teens about all types of contraceptives and how to use them properly.

What are the benefits of sex education?

Sex education is essential for youth, and its main aim is to obtain a positive view of sexuality. Its main goal is to teach teens all the skills and knowledge they need to make healthy decisions regarding their sex life. Sex education for girls and boys benefits them both considerably and helps achieve positive health impacts. There are many benefits of sex education:

• Sex education teaches children about the process of sexual intercourse, makes them make hasty decisions, and only engages them to engage in it when they are older because they know all the risks associated with it.

• While hitting puberty, children cannot differentiate between right and wrong and often confuse certain things as abnormal. Sex education helps them to understand about there physical changes and also helps them realize what is expected and when there is a need to go to a health provider.
• Sex education for girls is vital as it helps them better understand the repercussions of teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy affects them emotionally, mentally, and physically as they are unprepared to handle childbirth, pregnancy, and parenthood.
• All types of sex education help control AIDS and many other sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea, etc.

What is the responsibility and role of parents in sex education?

Parents have the power to guide children’s development toward healthy sexuality parents should always be the primary source of sex education for youth. Parents should also never deny children access to other sources of information like friends and schools. They must also be always ready to reply to sex education questions asked by their children at every stage of life. Your child’s school may offer education on sexuality, but they will understand and remember the details that you will teach them. Parents must prepare themselves first so they can talk to their children about all topics related to sexuality.

Tips for parents to prepare themselves for talking about sex education with kids.

Sex is a common subject in media, and it is hard to avoid it. However, it is not easy for parents to talk to their teens about reading this. If you wait for the perfect moment, you will miss the perfect time and best opportunity. Below are some tips that can help you to get started:

• TV shows and news articles are excellent ways to start.

You can start your conversation based on news articles regarding sex. Try asking your kids what she or he thinks about it. Give time to your kid, and you can grasp certain moments in which you can give sex education.

• Be direct.

Always try to be direct in your views about sexuality. You can continue your conversation by adding risks of sex like sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and emotional pain that is associated with it.

• Consider your child’s views.

Always discuss and not give just a lecture to your teen. Parents should try to listen there children carefully and give them time to ask sex education questions if any. Nowadays, children are very open in asking about what they do not understand and may likely continue open dialogues with you, which is excellent for you and them both.

How to provide sex education to teenagers – some guidelines?

Parents are never too late to understand the importance of sex education. Parents must continue counseling sessions with their kids at every stage of life. Whether they are teens or youth, give them your support and guidance about sexuality. The best age to offer betters sex education is when your teen shows signs of active sexual behavior. Never hesitate to talk to a teenager in terms of sex, drugs, etc., as it will help them to make wise decisions when needed. Parents must keep some essential things in mind while talking to teenagers:

Be prepared to answer their queries.

• While you are giving sex education details to your teen, they may ask you some questions like
• when will I understand I am ready for sex?
• What will I do if my boyfriend or girlfriend insists on having sex?
• What if I am gay?

These are many sex education questions teens may ask while conversing with you. Many teens indulge in sexual activity because of curiosity but tell them it is best to wait for the correct time. Also, tell them that forced sex is rape, and tell them no always means no. in case of confusion regarding whether they are gay or bisexual, make them understand that it is just a beginning to explore their sexual attraction and feeling change with time.

Notice instinct changes in your teens’

Parents should notice distinct changes in their teens, as those in violent relationships, are more likely to indulge in sex early. They show poor academic performance and can also attempt suicide. It is vital to talk to them if you see any change in them and give them lessons about healthy relationships.

Queen’s – the best place to discuss all your intimate health.

Queen’s Gynaecology, the best gynecology clinic in South Delhi, has an expert team of trustworthy and non-judgemental qualified gynecologists. You may feel embarrassed about specific issues; we are here to hear you, help you, and not judge you. Be transparent and open about all your intimate problems to get better solutions and treatment from us. Consulting with your gynecologist at Queens Gynecology is very important as they will help you with sex education and how to tackle your kids with these.