Should Sex Ed Start as Early as Kindergarten? Experts Say Yes

Parents sometimes catch their young children exhibiting sexual curiosity, such as stimulating their sexual organs or, at times, bluntly asking about sex. But when is the perfect time to start sex education? Is it wise to wait until puberty, or should we begin much earlier? Is kindergarten too early?

Experts offer advice on why it is vital to begin educating children about sex at an early age.

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Sex Education and the Internet

"If parents do not talk to their kids about the birds and the bees, the internet will," alerted award-winning researcher, Dr. Megan Maas. Further, "the way the internet depicts sex can add confusion to what kids will think sex looks and feels like," added Maas. The internet has exposed the youth to content that may not be age-appropriate, especially content about sex, impacting a child's development, Centre Daily advised.

ALSO READ: Age-Appropriate Ways of Explaining Sex to Kids

The Focus of Sex Ed in Kindergarten

Eva Goldfarb, a public health professor at Montclair State University, cited the importance of teaching sex to very young children and compared teaching sex ed in kindergarten to teaching mathematics to this age group. "If someone suggested not to introduce math concepts at all until 8th grade, that would be ridiculous," said Goldfarb.

Instead of talking about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, sex education in kindergarten would focus on healthy relationships, NJ reported. "Just as algebra does not start in kindergarten, neither would any talk of contraception." Instead, the professor suggested a lesson plan that focused on setting boundaries and how to treat other people.

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Age-Appropriate Ways to Talk to Very Young Kids About Sex

While many parents of toddlers and preschoolers would rather avoid the topic of sex, there are ways to teach sex education without going deep into details.

Name their Body Parts Correctly

Children will begin to learn about their bodies around the same time they learn to walk and talk. They may even become curious about sex organs of the opposite sex. When asked why girls do not have a penis, answer that boys' and girls' bodies are made differently.

Also, tell them the correct names for their sex organs, penis and vagina. This is important so that children can communicate if there is any sexual abuse and reduce shame regarding sex and the body. Teach them that these body parts are private and give them boundaries for when they explore their sex organs and others, the Mayo Clinic advised.

What to do When Toddlers Masturbate

Toddlers can become curious about their sex organs, especially when they discover ways that feel good-girls rub their genitals and boys pull at their penis. When done in public, parents should distract the child and remind them of the importance of privacy. However, parents should be cautious when masturbation is done frequently, which could be a sign of anxiety or even sexual abuse.

Teach Young Kids About Consent

It is vital to start teaching kids about giving consent at a very young age. Parents can teach their children to ask for permission before they hug, kiss, or touch another child. In the same manner, a child's consent would be needed before anyone touches them. Children should also be taught how to react when they are handled in a way that makes them uncomfortable.