Puberty
Puberty
Barriers and prompts to parent-child sexual communication
A research report from 2016 investigating what prompts parents to start the conversation about sexuality with their children. Many parents feel that their children are too young to talk about sexuality, and often don't know how to start the conversation. This article addresses barriers that parents experience in regards to talking about sexuality with their children.
Boy puberty: How to talk about puberty and sex with your tween boy
Non-fiction
For parents/carers of 9 to 13 year olds to help them talk to their sons about puberty and sex. Tells you what topics to cover and gives ideas on how to start conversations.
Boys' stuff: Boys talking about what matters
A 224 page non-fiction book. Teenage boys reflect on their lives and cover topics such as: sex, friends, sports, drugs, music, school and family. They explain what the 'rules' are, how they break them and what's 'cool'.
Conversation Starters
Some ideas to help start conversations in general ways that aren't too personal or confronting.
DivaCup - free menstrual cup education resources
Diva International Inc. provides free resources about the DivaCup to health professionals and educators. Menstrual cups are a sustainable menstrual care option. To access a free education pack, contact the Australian distributor - Barton Brands info@bartonbrands.com.au. The educator pack includes: 1 x Model 0 DivaCup (for under 18s); 1 x Model 1 DivaCup (for under 30s and those who have not had a child); 1 x Model 2 DivaCup (for over 30s and/or those who have had a child); 1 x educational brochure.
Dr Yes
The Australian Medical Association of Western Australia (AMA WA) Dr Yes project sends specially trained volunteer medical students into high schools to have frank, open discussions on topics concerning youth health including sexual health. Enquiries can be made through dryes@amawa.com.au
Everything you never wanted your kids to know about sex (but were afraid they’d ask): the secrets to surviving your child’s sexual development from birth to the teens
Written by doctors, a guide to coping with a child’s sexual maturation.
Family Planning NSW
Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout NSW. Includes a section for teachers.
Family Planning Victoria (FPV)
Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout Victoria. Includes a section on school programs.
Get the Facts - 'Laugh and Learn' videos
Check out the Get the Facts 'Laugh and Learn' series of videos on the Get the Facts website. Designed to make young people laugh while they learn about puberty, condoms, BBVs and keeping safe in sexual situations.
Girl puberty: How to talk about puberty and sex with your tween girl
Topics: puberty
Non-fiction
For parents/carers of 9 to 13 year olds to help them talk to their daughters about puberty and sex. Explains what topics to cover and how to start conversations.
Age: Parents and teachers of children 9 to 13 years.
Girls like that and other plays for teenagers
Fiction
'Girls Like That' explores the pressures caused by technology when a schoolgirls naked photograph goes viral.
'Banana Boys' is about the challenge of being on the school football team and being secretly gay.
'Holloway Jones' is a about with growing up with a parent in prison.
'Pronoun' is about two childhood sweethearts dealing with the fact that one of them, Isabella, has come out as transgender.
Hair in funny places
A 32 page picture book. Light-hearted book outlining the changes during puberty.
How to talk to kids about bodies
Non-fiction
A 38 page guide for parents showing them how to have shame-free conversations with their child about their genitals.
Age: Parents and teachers of children 0 to 12 years.
It's not the stork!: a book about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families and friends
A 64 page book with illustrations that tackles questions young children have about how they were born and their bodies.
Let's talk about sex
Non-fiction
Biological and psychological information about sex: from puberty and conception to birth control and STIs, including sections on the body, families and babies, and sexual health. New edition includes expanded information on internet, texting safety, contraception and LGBT.
Let's talk about the birds and the bees
Non-fiction
Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations.
Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)
Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.
Let's talk about where babies come from
Non-fiction
Comics and cartoons outlining: similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves.
Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.
Age: 7 to 11 years.
Making sense of sex: a forthright guide to puberty, sex and relationships for people with Asperger's Syndrome
A paperback book for teenagers and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have questions about puberty, sex and relationships.