Children and young adults have always learned a lot about life and personal choices from the public.
Today it appears that the world's platforms, including social media, celebraties, celebraties children and the likes is a top influence where our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews are learning style, culture and more, sexuality and sex.
Social Media as an Educator
Accessibility of Information: Social media platforms often serve as a primary source of information for youth, including topics related to sex education. This can include both formal content, like posts from health organizations, and informal content, like peer-shared experiences and advice.
Quality and Accuracy: The quality of sex education on social media can vary significantly. While some organizations provide accurate, science-based information, other sources may spread myths, personal beliefs, or misinformation.
Influence on Attitudes: Social media can shape attitudes towards sex and relationships more broadly than traditional sex education, often normalizing a variety of behaviors and lifestyles through the content shared by influencers and peers.
Sex Education should start at home; opposite to what our parents and grandparents did...
Education at Home: Parents and guardians can play a pivotal role by discussing their own values regarding purity, abstinence, and responsible behavior. This is crucial in providing a counterbalance or reinforcement to the messages children receive from social media and their peer groups.
Critical Media Literacy: Teaching children to critically evaluate the information they receive on social media and elsewhere can help them make informed decisions aligned with their values.
Community and Religious Involvement: For families that value religious or cultural teachings on purity and abstinence, involvement in community and religious activities can reinforce these teachings.
By addressing these aspects, you can explore the complexities of how social media interacts with cultural teachings on sex education, purity, and abstinence. This will help foster a deeper understanding of the diverse influences shaping young people's perceptions and behaviors
Cultural Teaching of Purity and Abstinence
Cultural Values and Norms: Different cultures and communities hold varied beliefs about purity and abstinence. In many conservative or religious communities, these values are emphasized as core components of sex education.
School Curricula: The approach to teaching purity and abstinence can depend heavily on local policies and state laws. In the U.S., for example, some states mandate abstinence-only education, while others require comprehensive sex education that includes information about contraception and safer sex practices.
Media and Pop Culture: Mainstream media and entertainment often portray sexual relationships without the emphasis on purity or abstinence, potentially conflicting with the messages children receive from home or school.
Where do you start? Here is a shortlist of the developmental ready ages for these dicussions;
The conversations about sex and purity should be adjusted according to the child's developmental stage. Here's a general guideline on age-appropriate discussions:
Ages 3-5
Basic Body Awareness: Teach the correct names for body parts.
Consent: Simple concepts like "no one should touch you where your swimsuit covers" and asking permission before hugging or touching others.
Ages 6-8
Privacy and Boundaries: Emphasize privacy, including not showing private parts to others.
Basic Reproduction: Explain in simple terms how babies are made and born—usually focusing on pregnancy and birth rather than intercourse.
Ages 9-12
Puberty: Discuss the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
Peer Pressure: Start discussions on peer influence and how to make independent, healthy choices.
Ages 13-15
Detailed Sexual Education: Information on intercourse, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy.
Consent and Relationships: Discuss the importance of consent, respect in relationships, and emotional preparedness for dating.
Ages 16+
Complex Issues: Dive into more complex discussions about sexual identity, orientation, and safe sexual practices.
Moral and Ethical Implications: Talk about the moral, ethical, and emotional implications of sexual behavior, aligning with your family values and beliefs.
Each conversation should be ongoing, building on the child's growing understanding and experiences. It’s also crucial to take cues from the child's questions and readiness to learn about certain topics, adjusting your approach accordingly.
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