Adolescence is actually a socially formed concept. In pre-industrial society, children were considered adults when they reached physical maturity; However, a long period of time has occurred between childhood and adulthood, known today as adolescence.
Adolescence is the most important developmental period of the individual. Adolescents who go through this developmental period in a healthy manner and know their bodies and their cognitive and affective structures will be healthy adults in the future. As strange as it may be, sexuality education is a parent's responsibility. By reinforcing and supporting what your teenage child learns at school, you can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy sexuality.
However, the most important point here is what you know about sexuality. If you think you have incorrect or incomplete information, first try to learn about this subject yourself.
Sexual Maturation
It is a stage in which secondary sex characteristics are developed. Primary sex characteristics are organs specifically needed for reproduction, such as the uterus and ovaries in girls and the testes in boys. Secondary sex characteristics are signs of sexual maturation that do not directly involve the genitals. In women, this includes breast development and hip expansion, while in men it includes facial hair development and deepening of the voice. The development of pubic and armpit hair and the development of sweat glands increases in both sexes.
The testicles primarily secrete testosterone and the ovaries secrete estrogen; The production of these hormones gradually increases until sexual maturation occurs. Girls experience the onset of their menstrual period, usually around the age of 12-13, while boys experience the first ejaculation around the age of 13-14. Facial hair in men typically appears around the age of 14.
PURPOSES AND IMPORTANCE OF SEX EDUCATION
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It is the development of individuals' ability to make the right decisions and their ability to organize their health-related options.
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It is to ensure that they learn not to harm themselves and others.
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Take responsibility for the decisions they make
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Sexuality is a very important value in every period of human life, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation (gender identity), economic status, nationality or religion.
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It is the ability to define sexual information correctly and the development of the ability to access correct information sources. Instead of incorrect and incomplete sexual information, they receive correct information and have the opportunity to get rid of the harmful effects of incorrect and incomplete information.
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To be aware of physical and psychological changes during puberty and adolescence and to reduce anxiety. .
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It is about ensuring that respect for individual differences is understood as a social value.
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It is about providing information about sexual abuse and developing the skills to learn protection.
VALUES YOU SHOULD CREATE IN YOUR CHILD
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Sexuality is a natural and healthy part of life.
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Every person is special and valuable.
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Sexuality is a part of every individual's life. Its place and meaning are different.
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Children should be loved regardless of their gender. Girls and boys should be treated equally.
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Sexuality has physical, ethical, psychological, social and emotional dimensions.
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Every human being has has dignity. Respecting the behavior of others does not mean belittling our own behavior.
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Experiencing sexuality; should not be coercive, restrictive or accusatory; should not cause physical or psychological harm; It is personal; must be legal; must not threaten the rights and freedoms of others; There must be mutual trust.
HOW CAN I EDUCATE AS A PARENT?
Sexuality is the main subject of films, games and advertisements. It is often difficult to constantly avoid this topic. But when parents and teens need to talk, it's not always easy . If you wait for the perfect moment, you may miss the best opportunities. Instead, think of sex education as an ongoing conversation.
Here are some ideas to get you started and get the conversation going:
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Don't miss the moment. When a TV show or clip raises issues regarding sexual behavior, you can use it as a tool for education. Remember that everyday activities, such as driving or shopping, sometimes present the best opportunities to talk.
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Be honest. If you're uncomfortable, say so - but explain that it's important to keep talking. If you don't know how to answer your child's questions, offer to find or look for answers together.
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Be direct. Be clear about your feelings about certain topics, such as oral sex and sexual intercourse. Objectively present risks, including vaginismus, sexually transmitted infections, and unplanned pregnancy. Explain that oral sex is not a risk-free alternative to sexual intercourse.
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Ask your child's perspective. Don't lecture your child or rely on scare tactics to discourage sexual activity. Instead, listen carefully. Understand your child's pressures, challenges, and concerns.
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Go beyond the facts. Your child needs accurate information about sexuality – but talking about feelings, attitudes and values is also important. You can answer ethics and responsibility questions in the context of your personal or religious beliefs.
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Let him know he can talk to you more about this topic. Let your child know it's okay to talk to you about sexuality when he or she has questions or concerns. Reward their questions by saying, “I'm glad you came to me.” Remember that if he doesn't ask you, it doesn't mean he stopped asking these questions. It would be healthier for him to ask you rather than for him to learn something wrong.
HANDING DIFFICULT TOPICS
Sex education for young people includes other difficult topics such as rape and homosexuality. Be prepared for questions like these:
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How will I know I'm ready for sex? Several factors—peer pressure, curiosity, and loneliness—can lead some teens to early sexual activity. Remind your child that it is okay to wait. Sex is an adult behavior. Meanwhile, there are many ways to express love – intimate conversations, long walks, holding hands, listening to music, dancing, kissing, touching and hugging.
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Male My friend or girlfriend wants to have sex, but I don't want to? Explain that no one should have sex out of a sense of obligation or fear. Any form of forced sex is rape, whether the person is a stranger or someone your child is seeing.
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No always means no. Emphasize that alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reduce inhibitions, and emphasize that people can make healthy decisions before taking such actions. Teach him to respect his partner.
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What if I think I'm gay? Many young people wonder at some point whether they are gay or bisexual. Help your child understand that he or she is beginning to explore sexual attraction. These feelings may change over time. And if he doesn't change, let him know that it's okay.
Answering negatively to your child's questions or claims that he is gay may have negative consequences. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth who do not have family acceptance have an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, depression and suicide attempts. Family acceptance can protect against these risks.
First of all, let your child know that you love him/her unconditionally. Listen more than you talk. Make your child feel understood.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
The lessons they learn about what's right and what's wrong will carry over into their future relationships. Talk to your teenager now about what does and doesn't constitute a healthy relationship. It is important to know.
If this article is not enough, you can read many books and resources written to get more detailed information about sexual education for your child. You can also buy books that give your child information about sex education. Receiving this education for your child will not be a waste of time for your child, on the contrary, it will be an education in which he/she makes healthy and correct decisions.
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