Appropriate sources of information about sex for younger teens

2RockMountain

So as the kids get older, we've had issues at home of inappropriate activity on tablets - basically pornography. Without going into too much detail, it seems to have been motivated more by curiosity than titillation, which got me thinking about possible alternate, sensible sources of information about sex. I've seen some of these materials on spunout.ie, but I think these are targeted at older teens and young adults.

Is anyone aware of good sources of materials for younger teens, 12-15 years, to help them to learn about sex, masturbation, managing relationships, contraception etc? I do try to have regular conversations, but they are generally fairly uncomfortable with the conversations - so I'm thinking that perhaps online sources might play a role in this.

I did try searching, but searches for anything to do with 'teen' and 'sex' tend not to go down the drain fairly quickly. Is anyone aware of good sources out there?

2RockMountain

Just giving this a little bump to see if anyone has any good ideas?

Lackey

Hse post out free booklets with DVD busy bodies ..can't post links yet sorry

eviltwin

It's an American site but Netsmartz is very good.

xLisaBx

From my own experience, sex education in school is pretty thorough and factual. Condoms are explained along with the contraceptive pill. STI's are also explained, and the differences between the various infections. Self respect, relationships and basic reproduction is also covered, abortions and sexual abuse too.

I would have to recommend Spunout.ie. I began writing for them at 15, and I do think that the articles are age appropriate. The younger that kids learn about this stuff, the more knowledgable and responsible they are likely to be closer to the time.

Maybe have a look at a few YouTube videos too, watch them yourself first and then show them. I would not worry too much about pornography at that age either- a lot are sexually active around the ages 14/15 so watching porn is the least of your worries!

eviltwin

xLisaBx wrote: »

From my own experience, sex education in school is pretty thorough and factual. Condoms are explained along with the contraceptive pill. STI's are also explained, and the differences between the various infections. Self respect, relationships and basic reproduction is also covered, abortions and sexual abuse too.

I would have to recommend Spunout.ie. I began writing for them at 15, and I do think that the articles are age appropriate. The younger that kids learn about this stuff, the more knowledgable and responsible they are likely to be closer to the time.

Maybe have a look at a few YouTube videos too, watch them yourself first and then show them. I would not worry too much about pornography at that age either- a lot are sexually active around the ages 14/15 so watching porn is the least of your worries!

Sex ed is very hit and miss even now and you can't guarantee it will cover any of the above. You can't and shouldn't rely on schools to educate your children. Parents need to know what their kids are doing.

Pornography online is a problem, it's not like a magazine, sites often have links to more hard-core material, chat rooms etc that tweens can't handle. Once they see that stuff they can't unseen it. A natural curiosity about sex and nudity is normal but you can't rely on your kids to look at soft core porn, parents have to take control of the situation.

xLisaBx

eviltwin wrote: »

Sex ed is very hit and miss even now and you can't guarantee it will cover any of the above. You can't and shouldn't rely on schools to educate your children. Parents need to know what their kids are doing.

Pornography online is a problem, it's not like a magazine, sites often have links to more hard-core material, chat rooms etc that tweens can't handle. Once they see that stuff they can't unseen it. A natural curiosity about sex and nudity is normal but you can't rely on your kids to look at soft core porn, parents have to take control of the situation.

It definitely is hit and miss, however if the school plan is examined by the OP and it is comprehensive enough, then I couldn't see the problem with it. Even if they filled in the missing bits, it could certainly solve this situation.

Pornography online isn't ideal, but it happens- we all know it. Back when I was in fourth class, it was very common to have porn videos on phones at the back of the classroom. I cant say that I know a teenage boy who doesn't watch it, so I think it's important to emphasise how far those videos are from the truth. That's not how sex works, and at times, isn't how women should be treated.

2RockMountain

Lackey wrote: »

Hse post out free booklets with DVD busy bodies ..can't post links yet sorry

Thanks, but it doesn't really go far enough for me. It covers the basic biology and intercourse, but I want to make sure they understand about sexual touching, contraception, STDs etc.

eviltwin wrote: »

It's an American site but Netsmartz is very good.

Thanks, but seems to be all about online safety. My current concern is about real life safety, sexual matters specifically.

xLisaBx wrote: »

From my own experience, sex education in school is pretty thorough and factual. Condoms are explained along with the contraceptive pill. STI's are also explained, and the differences between the various infections. Self respect, relationships and basic reproduction is also covered, abortions and sexual abuse too.

I would have to recommend Spunout.ie. I began writing for them at 15, and I do think that the articles are age appropriate. The younger that kids learn about this stuff, the more knowledgable and responsible they are likely to be closer to the time.

Maybe have a look at a few YouTube videos too, watch them yourself first and then show them. I would not worry too much about pornography at that age either- a lot are sexually active around the ages 14/15 so watching porn is the least of your worries!

Tks, they really just covered intercourse in school, and some stuff about safety/abuse. I want something to cover contraception, STDs, masturbation, and just to make sure they understand about petting (if that word is still used) and oral sex.

Other suggestions would be very welcome.

seamus

2RockMountain wrote: »

Thanks, but seems to be all about online safety. My current concern is about real life safety, sexual matters specifically.

To be fair, they're basically one and the same at this point. Educating young people about keeping themselves safe and making sensible choices involves both the practical "hands-on" stuff (for want of a better word), as well as interacting online - particularly in relation to social media, use of cameras, phone apps, etc etc.

2RockMountain

seamus wrote: »

To be fair, they're basically one and the same at this point. Educating young people about keeping themselves safe and making sensible choices involves both the practical "hands-on" stuff (for want of a better word), as well as interacting online - particularly in relation to social media, use of cameras, phone apps, etc etc.

Yes, there is a big overlap, but was looking for some specific, factual information on sexual activities.

denis160

http://b4udecide.ie/
Did you have a look at this website, seems quite good? Have you ever heard of the squashy couch programme? It's a Waterford based organisation who come in & talk to schools in a very open & factual manner & in no way condescending or judgemental way. It's a positive sexual health training programme trying to make young people aware & educated on decisions they make. They train other instructors like youth workers who can deliver the programme in schools or a youth work setting. Might be an option in conjunction with the kids secondary schools if the school was open to such an idea. You could give the organisation a ring either & they might guide you in the right direction. Good luck with it.