In Australia, there is a flurry of conversation about sex and sexuality education in schools. What's compulsory to be taught and how different schools approach sexual education have been varied, diverse, and anything but uniform. One of the biggest fears I hear from parents in my sessions is oversharing information that might be distressing for their children, so I wanted to share with you a list of suggested sexual education topics that might be considered age-appropriate. It's important to know that the subject of sex has several building blocks that need to be laid before the conversation begins, and similarly, there are lots of conversations around sex that relate to emotions, relationships, culture, faith, and politics that are just as important and worthy to have.

You might find that young people have an interest inadult things like sex. And if they are asking questions, they are probably ready for answers too. Regardless of how old they are, you can always have discussions around seeking help and consent (free agreement) that continue over
time.

Okay, so now for the list of topics by age: drumroll, please…

Toddlers (0-5 years) – suggested topics:

• Body autonomy – teaching them about rights and consent (e.g. they are the boss of their body and they get to say what goes).

• Public body parts – learning they have the right to choose which parts of their body are public (here, your personal, cultural or religious preferences can come into play!)

• Private body parts and appropriate behaviour – such as part no one has permission to see or touch.

• Giving accurate names for private body parts – (such as penis, scrotum, vulva, breasts, anus).

• Getting help from people they trust when they are scared, worried or feel unsafe.

• Gender roles – how specific you want to be about this is up to you.

Children (Early primary school) – suggested topics:

• How babies are made

• How babies are born

• Diversity in families

Children (Upper primary school) – suggested topics:

• Puberty (changes in the body)

• Sexual reproduction (more advance explanations for body functions)

• Sexual feelings and orientations (including “crushes”)

• Pornography

• Masturbation

Teenagers (Secondary school) – suggested topics:

• Healthy relationships and intimacy

• Respect

• Diversity

• Communication

• Laws around age of consent

• Online sexual behaviors

• Safer sex

• Mutually consensual free agreement in sexual relationships

Having been raised in a conservative Muslim family that was open to discussions about sex and sexuality, I've experienced ways that parents can take the forefront in guiding their children across all ages to have non-avoidant and open conversations that embrace culture, faith, community, and family. I’ve also seen as a sexual educator for teenagers, that they desperately seek a trustworthy source that distills information they need to know which allows for informed decision making. And as a practicing psychologist, I have assessed and treated many people who experienced trauma that resulted from a lack of education; I have learned valuable lessons I want
to share with you that I learned from my time in hospitals, courts and prisons.

To join our live conversations about all the Essential Insights you need to navigate these conversations with your children, I host separate discussions in live and interactive webinars on these topics for toddlers, children, and teenagers. And if you are interested in all three, then I have a wonderful "3 for 2" option that might be perfect for you.

Say goodbye to silence or scare tactics that missopportunities for you as a guide with reliable and trustworthy information.

Join the conversation, I'll see you at the table.