School sex education: Does it really need to be so graphic for primary kids? – Hayley Matthews

My nine-year-old has never been so excited about anything since learning they're getting sex education at school.
Primary school pupils may be too young for some types of sex education, Hayley Matthews says (Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)Primary school pupils may be too young for some types of sex education, Hayley Matthews says (Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)
Primary school pupils may be too young for some types of sex education, Hayley Matthews says (Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

My feelings, as a mother, are slightly different. I'm torn between exposing them to the big wide world of boobs and "va-chinas" (his words, not mine), versus keeping them young and innocent as long as possible.

I keep asking myself if it’s me who has the issue? Is it me that's struggling to see by first born, who was just a baby yesterday, turn into a hormone-fuelled, testosterone-filled man?

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Possibly. However, do we really need to be giving graphic, detailed power-point presentations on intimate human anatomy to primary kids?

It feels too much too soon and I'm no prude! We've had the "lumpy willy chat" and were fine with it, but if this makes you feel uncomfortable, just think how it effects primarily school kids.

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I mean, how important is it that they know all this at nine, unless they're going to become a gynaecologist in the next few weeks! I realise some girls are getting their periods younger now, some at eight (I know lots of parents that have girls under 10 who are already menstruating) so yes, we probably do need to expose them to some sort sort of sex ed, but the detail of what lies ahead bothers me greatly.

I see the sexualisation of young kids being normalised everywhere these days and I don't like it.

With programmes as vile as "Cuties" on Netflix and primary kids being taught about masturbation, no wonder so many parents are reluctant to let their children take part in today's sex ed.

I believe our kids should be introduced slowly to their changing bodies, not have it rammed into a few lessons by a pushy government programme.

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I'm still thinking it all over but would love to hear the thoughts of other parents who have kids about to get sex ed.

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