Imparting sex educationto today's youth

StandWeSpeak A 21st-Century Sexual Wellness Platform IMPARTING SEX EDUCATION TO TODAY’S YOUTH

Is there a perfect time to talk about it? No, there is no stipulation on when you should talk to your child about it. You can initiate a conversation with them in every day moments: riding in the car, cooking together or sorting out groceries. You can confront them when something related to sexual issues comes up on the television, in a movie, or an advertisement. For instance, if there’s a condom ad or a sanitary napkin ad playing, you can seize the moment and talk away!

Be open and transparent. Avoid using euphemisms and demonizing the topic for them. You can break the ice by acknowledging that even though it is an uncomfortable conversation, it is a necessary one. Encourage them to ask questions and cover the topics that you feel are important – such as safe sex, menstruation, porn, and relationships. There is no evidence that an open discourse about these topics will lead to promiscuity. In fact, it will leave your child better prepared to face the world.

Move beyond the technicalities. While it important to give out objective information, you will also feel the need to express your feelings about a particular topic. But do not indulge in scare tactics and abstinence-only education. You can share your values, attitudes and opinions with them. Also, make sure that it is a two-way conversation – listen and try to understand their thoughts, concerns and challenges. When they know you are there to listen, they will feel more at ease about approaching you in the future. This will help establish a crucial trust factor.

Talking about their sexuality Many teens upon being exposed to the homosexuality spectrum might wonder where they lie. You can support them by reassuring them that it is okay to explore their sexuality. If they receive a negative response from a parental figure, it can lead to an increased risk of substance abuse, attempted depression. If they are confused about their identity, this is when they need validation and be told that “whatever you are feeling is normal”. suicide and

Learn and Unlearn. If your kid is on social media then there is a good chance that they are going to be exposed to the ‘woke’ culture. It can be hard to keep up with what they know and don’t know. Therefore, before having a discussion with your child it is important to educate yourself and ensure that you are up-to-date. It can be a little unsettling when it comes to unlearning – letting go of certain stereotypes.

Help them identify healthy v/s unhealthy. You have to speak to a child about their relationship with themselves as well as others. The tweens and teens are at a tender age when they are swayed by their peer’s perception of them. When they don’t meet the society’s superfluous expectations about various things like their bodies, personalities and et.al, it can prove detrimental to their mental health. You have to present an empathetic demeanour for a child to open up to you. Their development needs to have a healthy relationship with themselves.

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Imparting sex educationto today's youth