Where Should Our Kids Go For Answers?
In our modern society, where kids are bombarded with images that sell sex, we cannot be complacent, and we cannot expect our children to handle learning about sex all on their own. Kids need honest, open instruction about sex and how to make better choices.
Studies have found that 11% of the content in media consumed by 12-14 year olds was sexual in nature. That includes the internet, magazines, movies, music, newspapers and TV. Studies show that the more sexual media a young adult sees, the more likely he or she is to be sexually active and to anticipate future sexual activity.
Sex is a public issue, and therefore should be discussed regularly and openly. We owe it to the youth of America to give them training and information about how to examine these messages and ideas and then determine the right decisions for themselves.
The healthiest families are those in which parents and children can talk honestly and frankly about important issues. Kids are not stupid, and they have legitimate questions. Who would you rather have them go to for answers- the adults in their lives, or the media?
When I was younger I was deathly afraid of “the talk” I knew was looming. I was in fifth grade and about to participate in Family Life Education in my school. I think at one point during the conversation I started crying because it was so overwhelming for me to talk about sex. However, now that I am almost 21-years old, I can’t stop talking about it. I always feel comfortable talking to my mom AND dad about the topic because I know they want me to be safe. I know that I am fortunate, that down in the great south, not a lot of people talk about it, which is funny because we all know we do it (how many births a day are there?) The main point I am trying to make is that I know first hand mentioning sex isnt going to make a kid want to have sex. It is going to open up the tunnel for communication and the longer a parent waits, the more awkward it is going to be later on.
My 12-year old daughter is having anxiety about studying the reproductive system in health class. They are not even talking about sex. We have had several conversations with her about sex not just the physical, but the emotional and spiritual side as well. We try to make sure sex is not the dirty word that has to be spelled out by letter in conversations. In our family we will continue to talk openly and frank about the ins and outs of sex.
Hello Miss Shenice,
If you are local please contact DIVA about your daughter being in our Camp program. We provide winter, spring and summer camps for girls 9 to 17 years. They are seperated by age of course and we do cover ‘Being A Girl”. The office number is 803-223-9501.
You go girl! This issue effects all of us! Children are SMART and can make healthy decision, when given the knowledge and tools to work with!
My parents were open about sex with me and my sister and we both practice safe sexual lives. I think it is a very common misconception that not talking about sex means it isn’t happening. The truth is that the more forbidden adults and media make sex, the more it appeals to kids. We need more women out there who have this information. Tell everyone you know and help change the world!
Thank you Kelly and Katie for your support on this issue and sharing your experiences. We will continue to inform those that will listen.