Early sexuality: trust and education
Girls and boys are exposed to content that, when viewed without guidance, can lead to hyper-sexualization. Claudia Acosta, Counselor of the Grundschule section, and Elizabeth Muñoz, Coordinator of School Coexistence, share five tips on early sexuality.
1. No forbidden topics: Children will ask questions, as they are at an age where they are discovering the world. Faced with questions about sexuality, it is important to be honest in your answers and use language appropriate for the child's age; never scold, as it sends the wrong message. If there are doubts, it is best to consult with a professional.
2. Build trust: The best thing that a mom and dad can do is create safe environments for their children to ask questions. "If there is no trust, they will surely go to other places with their doubts. And before they go to the wrong place, it is best for parents to be their first source of information", says Claudia. It is also crucial to promote open and judgment-free dialogue.
3. Instill critical thinking: Actions at home should be geared towards helping children know what is best for them, so it is essential to be transparent with the information provided, provide context, and help them always understand what is best. You can encourage your children to ask additional questions and explore topics in depth.
4. Overcome personal flawsbiases: Self-assessment regarding personal prejudices and beliefs is an important step. It is crucial to promote education and empathy when discussing sexuality. This can also include learning how to address gender and sexual orientation issues. For example, if there is a situation in a movie that involves sexuality, the idea is not to skip it but to pause and discuss the topic.
5. Control screen access: Elizabeth Muñoz recommends controlling screen time and content access. There are technological tools for this, but there should also be close monitoring to help children develop their own criteria about what is positive and what is not.