Talk about sex education to 5-yr-olds, say experts

LOOK WHO'S NOT TALKING: Experts say sex education must start at the age of five at home.

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New Delhi: How early should you begin talking to your kids about the facts of life? It's not when they are well into their teens. In fact, the first talk should take place when they are five years old.

"Most people who believe in sex education would tell you it should start much earlier than puberty, usually ranges from five to seven years, the education children need about their body parts, good touch-bad touch,” says psychologist Dr Amit Sen.

A study conducted by the government showed that 26 per cent cases of severe sexual abuse occurs between the age group of six to 12.

"Parents should start teaching their children when they give them baths. Tell them like –‘this is a leg and arm, these are your private parts. They are private that's why we hide them. And if anyone touches them or does anything it is right to object or tell your parents,” says Psychologist Madhumati Singh.

But by the time children hit their teens, sexuality takes on a whole new meaning. There are raging hormones, volatile emotions and the dawn of sexual awareness, popularly referred to as puberty.

The Poddar family though has a tried and tested success formula.

"I think sex education begins at home,” says a parent, Seema Poddar.

Seema is a mother of two girls - Pankhuri who is 16 years old and Pauni who is going to turn 12.

"I make sure I tell her about what kind of world we are living in. I explain issues like rape when it comes in the news. Sex education is not just about sexual intercourse. It's about an attitude like even personal hygiene about your private parts, and how to behave with members of the opposite sex,” says Seema.

And if all else fails there's always the older sister to run to for help. And Pankhuri is glad to share her wisdom even if it' s frustrating at times.

“We were watching TV the other day and she saw people kissing and she was shocked. She said aren't they going to become pregnant? So they have to be told about things. It's an advantage for them to have an older sibling,” says Pankhuri.

Experts say a communication breakdown between parents and children may lead to experiments with sexuality that can often turn out to be disastrous.