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I was trying to find back the thread I did on Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) but when I Twitter search my handle along with it, everything else comes up except that specific thread. So... Let me go over it if I can jog my memory.
So. I think it should start from primary/prep school. Nothing else makes sense. It also needs to be inclusive, honest, secular & unbiased. It should span the entirety of primary & secondary school life & should be taught by trained professionals.
Grades 1-2 should focus on learning the body parts using the correct terminology. It begins the process of demystification, establishes a certain amount of import & value & lets children know that they are unique & there are differences.
Grade 3 can start discussing anatomical differences coupled with hygiene & wellness. Whether adults want to believe it or not children become sexually aware as young as 6 ( https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Sexual-Behaviors-Young-Children.aspx) & are exposed to TV, conversations & people who make them even more curious.
Grades 4-6 need to begin the intro to puberty, because by that age many are beginning to see & feel the changes in their bodies & are curious, concerned or even frightened about what is happening. It is at this stage that girls esp. need to be prepared for the menstrual cycle
This is where it tends to fall off because many of us are taught that this is when we can get pregnant but not much else. The menstrual cycle in its entirety should be discussed with all genders because it affects everyone & the impacts of sexual exploration become a reality.
In high school, the curricula can expand to include sex & sexuality. This is the age at which many young people are beginning to more fully explore & talk about attraction. It MUST be inclusive because it is at this point that many can be left out when we fail to address LGBTQIA+
School is a place for information. Home is the place for the communication & establishment of values. The purpose of CSE must be to provide young people with objective information about what is, not what we prefer. There is too much confusion & judgement about sex & sexuality
CSE should focus on scientific data. Grades 8-10 can explore hormones & their importance & effects on all genders, possible imbalances & how they can be identified & addressed as well as teaching young people how & why to manage & track their menstrual cycles.
After this, it will be more dependent on subject choices (based on our current academic structure). We need to remove the veil from sex ed & help young people to make informed, responsible decisions about sex & family planning. @LexGoffe
