Quotes can be attributed to Act for Kids CEO, Dr Katrina Lines.
Act for Kids is disappointed to hear that BIG W has been forced to pull a sex education book from its shelves following criticism online and towards its staff.
The book ‘Welcome to Sex’ addresses many of the real sexual experiences that children and young people will encounter during their life.
Sadly, we know not every parent or carer is comfortable having age-appropriate conversations about sex, sexual experiences, consent, body anatomy or masturbation with their child which is why we are seeing kids as young as 8 turning to the online world and in particular watching pornography to gain a sex education.
Act for Kids own research found more than half (55%) of Australians aren’t comfortable discussing sex with their parents and more than a third of parents admit they haven’t spoken to their child about sex.
Unfortunately, this means many young people are not learning what is appropriate and what is not appropriate sexual behaviour or they are seeking this information from unreliable sources such as online pornography sites.
The research also revealed an overwhelming 79 per cent of Australians say the sex education they received at school did not prepare them for real life experiences.
One third (36%) of Aussies also said they felt under-prepared when they became sexually active.
This data shows there is a real lack of education in Australia when it comes to sex, relationships and consent which does leave children vulnerable.
Act for Kids strongly believes books can play an important role in helping kids and young people to feel more empowered and comfortable about their own sexuality, especially if they are not getting that information from their parent or through evidence-based school-based sex education programs.
Books like ‘Welcome to Sex’ can be great resources to help parents have open, helpful conversations with their children, as all children will be curious at some stage and that is a part of normal development and growing up.
Act for Kids’ Get Comfy with Sex-Ed campaign heard from a group of young people who shared their own sexual experiences and lack of education.
You can watch the campaign video here.
Learn more about the Get Comfy campaign including tips to have age-appropriate conversations with children and young people here: www.actforkids.com.au/get-comfy-with-sex-ed
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For interview opportunities, please contact Jess Mumme, Communication and Advocacy Director
M: 0427 794 666
E: jess.mumme@actforkids.com.au