It can seem surprising or even scary to think about sex education being taught in elementary school — because most people think sex education is primarily about things like safer sex and birth control. But sex education in younger grades is not that at all. It actually centers a range of topics that create building blocks to learn about healthy relationships with themselves and others throughout their lives. Sex education also includes topics that support kids’ overall mental and social health.
So let's set the record straight. The topics below are areas that national experts (including Planned Parenthood) say should be taught in elementary school sex ed:
- Consent and healthy friendships. This means learning how to ask permission before taking something, listening when someone tells you “no,” and what it means to be a good friend.
- Anatomy and puberty. This covers learning the real names for body parts and what they do, as well as preparing for the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, which now often starts in later elementary school.
- Body image and self-esteem. This means learning that we’re all unique — inside and out — and that differences are a good thing.
- Respect for diversity. This includes learning about different kinds of families, and the importance of being kind and respectful to everyone.
- Gender and orientation. This is about learning how to be yourself, and how to not feel pressured to act a certain way because of your gender.
- Personal safety. This means learning how to identify uncomfortable or dangerous situations, and how to get help from an adult.
Unfortunately, most elementary schools don’t have sex education programs and don’t teach these topics. So what can you do?
To start, you can share this blog with other parents you know, and talk about what you’d like to see taught at your kid’s school. You can ask your school staff for more information about what they do teach, and ask them to include these topics. If they don’t have a health teacher on staff, you can contact your nearest Planned Parenthood’s education program to see if they can teach in your kid’s school.
We all want our kids to grow up safe, healthy, and confident. Age-appropriate sex education prepares young people for today’s world. Let’s set them up for success in all of their relationships as best we can