Why is it important to teach sex education for 5th graders? Is that the right age to discuss these sex issues with them?

Show me another question in this topic

rizjeff asks:

Is this not because we have lost our values ?

Question asked after reading: http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_...

In Topics: Communicating with my child (The tough talks)

> 60 days ago

Report Abuse

Answer

Expert

Louiseasl

Apr 27, 2011

Subscribe to Expert

What the Expert Says:

Hello and thank you for writing to JustAsk!

Sex education often encompasses sexuality or normal maturation. Because studies have showed that children are arriving at puberty earlier than years in the past, fifth grade has been deemed the appropriate time to discuss changes of life.
(For what it is worth, fifth grade was a benchmark year to discuss "Why Susie Can't Swim, ie. menstruation, in many public schools starting in the late 1960's or early 1970's.)

Note that most schools have an opt out choice, if this is not part of your belief system. Also, you have the right to ask to look at the curriculum. You may find that it is very generic.

Feel free to peruse the library to start the discussion at home so if your child should be part of a sex education discussion it will not comes as a surprise.

Good luck!

Did you find this answer useful?

yes

Answer this question

Sort by:

Most Helpful | Most Recent | Least Recent

Additional Answers (2)

CJA829 writes:

Hi rizjeff,

Typically schools have instituted a 5th grade sex ed talk because some girls begin their period around that age, and some kids are starting early signs of puberty: acne, and big body changes etc.
In my opinion having a frank discussion about the basics of sex, essentially the function of creating a baby (i.e. where babies come from) is okay to talk about at any age a parent thinks is appropriate for their kids.
But the reason schools discuss sex education in 5th grade is because kids are on the brink of puberty or beginning it, and for some kids it's their first source of education about it - if their parents have been unable or unwilling to broach the subject. To that end it gives parents a chance to talk about the subject with their kids, too, like an ice breaker.

> 60 days ago

Did you find this answer useful?

yes

Report abuse