• Prevent sexual abuse. Talking to your children about sexuality provides them with information that may help protect them from abuse. Basic information, such as using proper names for body parts, and understanding boundaries around sexuality — that certain parts of their body are private — can help children understand boundaries, identify abuse and tell someone they trust.
• Open the lines of communication. Talking to your children about sexuality builds trust and lets children know that they can come to you for help. Talking discourages secrets and establishes that no topic or question is off limits.
• Lower their potential risk. Children whose parents talk to them about sexuality are more likely to delay sexual activity and more likely to practice safer sex when they do become sexually active. (Martinez, Abma, & Copen, 2010). Talking to children about sexuality doesn’t give them permission to be sexually active; it ensures that they have the information needed to act in a healthy, responsible manner when they do engage in a sexual relationship.
For more information visit www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign or contact Steps to HOPE at 894-2340.
– submitted by Debra Backus