How to approach sex education for boys and girls?

Children have rights that ratify the importance of their potential as future citizens and builders of the development of the different nations of the world. Understanding that they develop their autonomy progressively, (understanding this as the strengthening of self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-control); it is essential to create spaces of upbringing under respect, love and attention to the needs and care they need. Part of these needs is to listen to and resolve children's doubts about sexuality, always providing information according to their age (in a simple and realistic way), without avoiding questions or scolding.

Understanding sexuality as a dimension of people, determined by learning throughout life, is key to contribute to the upbringing and care of children with respect for sexual and reproductive rights. To this end, it is advisable to raise children under the notion of the need to coexist with diversity, without transmitting prejudices of class, race, sexual orientation, gender, economic condition or physical or emotional characteristics.

Therefore, sharing play spaces and talking frankly with children are powerful tools for building strong and lasting relationships of trust and respect. In the words of one of our technical advisors specialized in psychopedagogy, Luz Marina León, “playing, being listened to and taken into account are human rights of children; when they can enjoy and exercise them from childhood they are undoubtedly the best basis for a healthy and full adulthood”.Some sexual and reproductive rights to keep in mind:

Recognize themselves as sexual beings.

• Strengthen self-esteem and autonomy to make decisions about sexuality.

• To explore and enjoy a pleasurable sexual life, without shame, fears, prejudices, inhibitions, guilt, unfounded beliefs and other factors that prevent the free expression of sexual rights and the fullness of sexual pleasure.

• To have consensual sexual relations.

• To freely and autonomously express one's sexual orientation, whether homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual.

• To protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections -STIs-

• To have access to quality sexual health services.

• To have timely, accurate and complete information on all aspects related to sexuality.

• To decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information, education and means to do so.

• To decide, men and women, in a free and responsible manner, whether or not to become fathers or mothers.

• To have access to safe, acceptable and effective contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception.