Ignorance is not Innocence: Why talk about sexuality, sexualisation, sexual behaviours and prevention of sexual abuse in our classrooms?
Two open public discourse on perceived controversial topics is presented as polarised along the “for or against” continuum. This makes for entertaining debate, but doesn’t really help build practice or protect the most vulnerable. This is seen in the arena of children and sexuality. The overwhelming majority of people want children to be safe; however there remain significant myths about what it means to protect children in this area.
There is a real need for a ‘healthy sexuality framework’ to sit alongside an understanding of sexualisation, problem sexual behaviours and sexual abuse. Without an evidence-based comprehensive approach to sexuality there is no counter balance to the messages and images we are concerned that our children and young people are receiving. Relationships and education is a sensible part of the solution to sexualisation, not part of the problem.
Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) is a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services to people in Queensland. FPQ has been providing education, resources, professional development and information services to children, families and educators for over forty years.
