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Primary caregiver perspectives on early childhood sexuality in Jamaica

Primary caregiver perspectives on early childhood sexuality in Jamaica. Presenters: Wendy McLean Cooke Shanika Donalds Stockholm, July 2012. Aim of the Research.

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Primary caregiver perspectives on early childhood sexuality in Jamaica

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  1. Primary caregiver perspectives on early childhood sexuality in Jamaica Presenters: Wendy McLean Cooke ShanikaDonalds Stockholm, July 2012

  2. Aim of the Research • To investigate primary caregiver views about the sexuality of children aged 3-6 years in Jamaica as a basis for further research and a more informed discussion of the issue.

  3. Methods • Exploratory Case Study • Sample • 60 primary caregivers of children aged 3 to 6 years (randomly selected) • six urban and rural basic schools and Kindergartens (purposively selected) • Focus group discussions

  4. Relevant Literature • Parent reluctance to engage with the issues of sexuality in early childhood • Thanasiu (2004) • Children need to be recognised as sexual beings • Frayser (1994); Barrett (2000); Childhood Sexuality (2001); Kools & Kennedy (2002); Thanasiu (2004) • Acceptable vs. Unacceptable behaviours in children • Freidrich (2000); Larsson & Svedin (2001); Lamb & Coakley (1993); Thigpen (2009)

  5. Findings Themes • Punishment for displays of sexual behaviour • Communication around sexuality • Limited display of intimacy in children’s presence children • Good touch vs Bad touch • Sex education in the schools • Gender-related issues

  6. Discussion • General discomfort with the notion of sexuality at this age and sexual behaviours were discouraged • Uncertainty about what constitutes age appropriate behaviour • Uncertain about how to initiate and negotiate discussions of sexuality • Provided information only as a means of preventing abuse • Ambivalent about how the school can support/educate children about issues of sexuality • Male displays were more acceptable than female displays of sexual behaviours

  7. Conclusions • Early childhood sexuality is circumscribed by ambivalence and uncertainty • Impaired sexual development resulting in greater risks to the children • Clearer channels of communication and partnerships between home and school are needed

  8. Recommendations • Parents need support in helping their children negotiate early childhood sexuality • The roles of the home and the school need to be complimentary • In recognition of sexuality as a part of children’s holistic development, education policy makers need to clearly articulate parental involvement in the process

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