Children should be communicated age appropriately about sex and sexuality

By: Satya Gopal Dey & Keisam Pradipkumar
The taboo about sex refers to the cultural or social taboo surrounding the discussion of sex and sexual topics. In many cultures, sex is considered a private matter, and discussing it openly is seen as inappropriate or even shameful.
There are many reasons why sex has historically been a taboo topic. Some of these reasons include religious or moral beliefs, social norms, and the fear of sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies. The taboo around sex can also be influenced by issues of power and control, as well as the way sex has been portrayed in media and popular culture.
However, the taboo around sex can have negative consequences. It can lead to a lack of education and knowledge about sexual health, relationships, and consent. It can also contribute to stigma and shame around sexual behaviour, making it difficult for people to seek help or support when they need it.
Breaking the taboo about sex and opening up honest and open discussions around sexuality can have many positive benefits, such as promoting sexual health, reducing shame and stigma, and fostering healthy relationships.
Education and communication about healthy sexual behaviour, Children who receive age-appropriate sex education can learn about healthy sexual behaviour, which can help prevent them from engaging in inappropriate or harmful sexual activity at the same time sexual crimes will also be reduced.
When communicating with children about sex and sexuality, it is important to use age-appropriate language and concepts that the child can understand.
For young children, it may be best to focus on the basics of body parts and boundaries, such as using proper names for body parts and teaching them that their body belongs to them and no one should touch them without their permission. It can also be helpful to emphasize the importance of consent and personal space.
Using nicknames to refer to a child’s private body parts can be confusing and may create shame or embarrassment around normal bodily functions. It is important to use accurate anatomical terms when discussing the body with children, including the correct names for the genitalia.
Teaching children the correct names for their body parts are important for several reasons. First, it helps to create a positive body image and helps children feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Second, using the correct names for body parts can help children understand and communicate about their bodies more effectively, which can be especially important in cases of abuse or inappropriate touching. Finally, using anatomically correct language helps to reduce confusion and shame around sexuality, which can help to promote healthy sexual attitudes and behaviours in the long run.
In summary, it is recommended that parents and caregivers use accurate anatomical terms when discussing the body with children, including the correct names for the genitalia, rather than using nicknames or slang terms.
For older children, discussions about puberty, sexual orientation, and healthy relationships can be introduced. It’s important to create an open and safe environment for children to ask questions and express their feelings without fear of judgment. It’s also important to emphasize that sexuality is a normal part of human development and to provide accurate information about the risks associated with sexual behaviour, such as sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
Overall, the goal is to provide children with accurate and age-appropriate information about sex and sexuality while promoting healthy attitudes and behaviours towards sexuality. Parents and caregivers can also seek guidance from health care providers or educators to help navigate these conversations.
In India, discussions about sex and sexuality have traditionally been considered taboo and have often been kept under the carpet. There are several reasons for this, including cultural, religious, and societal factors.
In traditional Indian culture, sex and sexuality have been viewed as private matters that should not be discussed openly. Religious and moral values have also played a role in shaping attitudes towards sex, with conservative values emphasizing chastity and modesty.
Societal factors, such as the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and the prevalence of conservative social norms, have also contributed to the taboo around sex and sexuality. In many cases, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of issues related to sex and sexuality, which can lead to harmful practices and behaviours.
However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to break the silence around sex and sexuality in India. Activists and educators are working to promote comprehensive sex education and to raise awareness about issues related to sexual health and rights. This is an important step towards creating a more informed and empowered society that can make healthier choices about their sexual lives.
Communicating with children and adolescents about sex can be challenging, but there are some important tips to keep in mind. Start early: Begin talking to your child about their body parts and boundaries when they are young. This will set the foundation for future conversations about more complex topics. Use age-appropriate language: Use language that your child can understand, and avoid using technical or clinical terms that may be confusing. Be honest: Be truthful when answering your child’s questions, but don’t provide more information than they are ready to handle.Create a safe environment: Make sure your child feels comfortable asking questions and expressing their feelings without fear of judgment. Discuss values: Talk to your child about your family’s values and expectations around sexual behaviour, but also be open to discussing alternative perspectives.
Emphasize consent: Teach your child the importance of consent and that they have the right to say no to unwanted touch. Be ongoing: Have multiple conversations with your child about sex and sexuality over time. This allows for a deeper understanding and creates an open dialogue.
Seek outside resources: There are many resources available, such as books, websites, and healthcare providers, that can provide information and guidance on communicating with your child about sex and sexuality.
Remember that communication is key when discussing sex and sexuality with your child. It is important to create a safe and open environment for them to ask questions and express their feelings.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2012 to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The law defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides for the establishment of special courts to handle cases related to sexual offences against children.
Some of the key provisions of the POCSO Act include, criminalizing sexual offences against children, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and the use of children for pornography. Providing for the mandatory reporting of sexual offences against children by any person who has knowledge or suspicion of such offences.
Establishing procedures for the recording of statements and conducting of trials in a child-friendly manner to minimize trauma to the child .Providing for the confidentiality of the child’s identity and prohibiting the publication of any information that may lead to the identification of the child. Providing for the establishment of special courts to handle cases related to sexual offences against children. Providing for the appointment of special public prosecutors to handle cases under the Act
The POCSO Act is a comprehensive legislation that seeks to address the issue of sexual offences against children in a holistic manner. The law provides for stringent punishment for offenders, including imprisonment for a term that may extend to life, and a fine. The law has been instrumental in raising awareness about child sexual abuse and providing a legal framework to protect children from sexual exploitation.
According to POCSO Children cannot legally give consent to sexual activity because they are not able to fully understand the nature and consequences of sexual acts, and therefore cannot give informed consent. Sexual activity with a child is illegal and constitutes child sexual abuse, regardless of whether or not the child appears to be a willing participant.
It is important to recognize that any sexual activity involving a child is exploitative and damaging to the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Adults have a responsibility to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation, and to report any suspicions of child sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities.
When talking to children about sex and sexuality, it is important to emphasize the concept of consent and to teach them that they have the right to say no to any unwanted touch or sexual activity. Parents and caregivers can also work to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and discussing issues related to sex and sexuality. This can help to empower children to protect themselves from potential abuse or exploitation.
While discussing sex and sexuality can help to create a more open and informed culture, it is important to recognize that sexual crimes are the result of complex societal and psychological factors, talking openly and honestly about sex can help to reduce the stigma and shame surrounding sexual issues and can help to empower individuals to make informed and healthy choices. By educating individuals about healthy sexual relationships, consent, and the consequences of sexual crimes, we can help to create a culture that values and respects human dignity and bodily autonomy.
It is also important to recognize that preventing sexual crimes requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, law enforcement, and social interventions. Strategies such as comprehensive sex education, effective law enforcement, and community outreach programs can help to address the root causes of sexual crimes and prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Satya Gopal Dey is Head, Child Protection, Advocacy & HR of Vikramshila Education Resource Society . Keisam Pradipkumar is a journalist and former Member of Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights.