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.

Menstrual cycle

(2 min 37 sec animated video) All you need to know about periods and the menstrual cycle explained in simple, clear images and language (Age 9+).

Menstrupedia Comic: the friendly guide to periods for girls

Menstrupedia Comic is an online resource, but there are also book versions available. The website and the book contain answers to questions about periods and provides useful information on menstruation, changing bodies and growing up.

More secret girls' business

Topics: puberty, menstruation.

Non-fiction

Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.

Age: 8+

One in five Australians forced to improvise on period products over costs

SBS News article on period poverty 3 August 2021.

Period in first period

4min 37sec video from Amaze. Light hearted cartoon that offers a choose your own adventure style storyline to choose period products. Includes clear instructions and cartoon diagrams on how to use each product - tampons, pads and menstrual cups. Does not include period knickers.

Planet Puberty

A digital resource suite by Family Planning NSW for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism.

Principles of gender-inclusive puberty and health education (2016)

Providing perspectives and language to account for every student's unique journey through puberty to adulthood.

Puberty and special girls

A simple yet sensitively written picture book that covers changes in bodies and appearance during puberty, good hygiene and other issues including protective behaviours and feelings for young women with special needs.

Puberty booklet

A WA Department of Health booklet addressing the changes that happen during puberty and how to look after yourself during this time. Recently updated in 2021 to combine the 'Girls and puberty' and 'Boys and puberty'. Aimed at ages 10-13 years.

Puberty Boy

Puberty Boy explains the transitions that boys need to go through to become healthy young men in a unique, colourful and commonsense way.

Puberty Girl

A practical guide for teenage girls on understanding the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.

Relationships, sex and other stuff

A WA Department of Health booklet for teenagers addressing friends and relationships, sex and pregnancy.

Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people (2019)

Guidelines for education and care settings on responding to problem sexual behaviours (3rd edition, 2019). Lists age appropriate behaviours, concerning behaviours and serious behaviours with steps schools can take to respond and protect children.

Secret boys' business (2nd Ed.)

Topics: puberty

Non-fiction

A puberty resource for boys, families, schools and community groups to explain the physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Age: 9 to 13 years.

Secret girls' business

Topics: puberty, menstruation.

Non-fiction

Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.

Age: 8+

Sex Ed Rescue

Sex Ed Rescue is run by Cath Hakanson, a sex educator who helps parents to get the knowledge, skills and confidence to have conversations with their children about sex and relationships. This site offers videos, resources, books reviews, and a free 5 day sex ed bootcamp. Sex Ed Rescue also have a parent Facebook Group that offers opportunities for parents to seek feedback on specific topics and scenarios.

Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program

The WA Department of Health - Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program (SHBBVP) provides sexual health information and resources for the community, health professionals and educators. Funds service providers to deliver free and low cost education sessions, professional development, clinical appointments, testing and treatment. All SHBBVP hardcopy resources (posters, pamphlets, etc) can be bulk ordered for free in WA by setting up a free account at doh.getquickmail.com. Email shbbvp@health.wa.gov.au for individual copies.

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT

Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout the ACT. Includes schools education programs, training and workshops.