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If talking about sexuality in today’s culture seems like a gender mind bender, this article from Bea Beste may help future conversations by focusing on a couple of important details, regardless of gender preferences.

Talking about sex with children and young people is important in order to later develop a healthy and respectful understanding of sexuality. In this article you will learn what you should consider when educating children and young people about sexuality.

Talking about sex is still embarrassing for many and is therefore taboo. It is particularly important on this topic to get an all-encompassing explanation, and I am not talking about the biological process when an egg cell is fertilized, but about the act. Anyone who talks openly and honestly to children and young people about sex is not only giving them the necessary information they need to protect themselves and build healthy relationships, they are also prepared.

Because the topic of sex can seem pretty scary at first. Becoming physically intimate with another person comes with pleasure, but also with a degree of responsibility. Unfortunately, the media landscape doesn’t have many role models when it comes to depicting sexual intercourse. Younger people are often not aware that sex in porn shows fantasies and is far removed from reality. And as far as movies go, sex is often portrayed in a very sensual, atmospheric, and “perfect” way too. The expectations of body proportions are also enormous. Realistic sex has nothing to do with perfection.

Breaking down taboos and educating them properly: Talking to children and young people about sex

First of all, two important points that don’t have much to do with stereotypes, but are of central importance in the discussion about sex: Safer sex!

prevention

Contraception is a very important aspect of sexuality. It is important that children and young people know that they can be protected from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. It’s good to talk about different contraceptive methods like condoms, hormonal contraceptives, IUDs, birth control pills, etc. and how to use them correctly. Above all condoms, because they are the only ones that also protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Speaking of…

Get tested regularly

It’s incredibly important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. STIs can be transmitted both through unprotected sex and through bodily fluids such as blood or saliva. Some STIs can even occur without symptoms and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Regardless of whether you are monogamous or polyamorous, whether you are straight or homosexual, you should have yourself tested for STIs regularly to protect your own health and that of your partner. Even if you are still young and haven’t had that much experience. Ideally, you’d be tested or insisted on being tested with a new person prior to the act. A friend of mine didn’t do that at the time because her partner only had one girlfriend before, but unfortunately he gave her an STD that he got from his partner before. He himself had no symptoms, my girlfriend did.

Testing yourself is an act of self-care and responsibility towards yourself and others. Regular testing helps identify and treat infections early to prevent further transmission.

Key points include:

• Breaking down taboos

• Practicing safe sex

• Education

Read the full article, Breaking down taboos and educating them properly: Talking to children and young people about sex, on TollaBea.de.