Photo: mod as hell / Flickr

Statistics indicate that more than 10 per cent of British children are having sexually explicit conversations online.  This is worrying because younger people are unprepared for sexual relationships and, should their online relationships extend to ‘real life’, they are seriously at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Peer pressure, the media and television are where most children are learning about sex. Do you not think it is time, as a parent, to set the record straight?

Start talking

We’ve lost a lot of the sexual repression we carried with us from the Victorian era. There is no longer any reason to treat sex as a taboo.  Be honest with your children from a very young age; give them the facts in an age appropriate manner.  Use real words when discussing the body with them; don’t substitute ‘willy’ for ‘penis’ or ‘fanny’ for ‘vagina’.  Explain in as much detail as possible the physical aspects of sex, using terminology they understand.  If they are not hearing it from you they will hear it somewhere else.

Is it strictly biology?

The fact of the matter is that sex feels good. Tell your children it does but help them to understand those feelings do not only come from sex.  Educate your child about possible illness and any other potential consequences.  Put aside your own personal feelings of embarrassment and encourage your children to explore their own bodies. If they can pleasure themselves they may need not look elsewhere.

It is about communication

Being open with your children will create an environment where they feel safe and able to share with you.  Include all sexual behaviour in your discussions without making sex taboo or something to be ashamed of.

Gather information, prepare yourself and equip your children with the tools to become sexually responsible and mature adults.

Tags: sex