Common Sexual-Exploration Behaviors
- Masturbating (typically in private)
- Playing games with children their own age that include sexual behavior
- Attempting to see others naked
- Viewing pictures that are of nude or partially nude people
- Viewing and/or listening to media that has sexual content
- Wanting more privacy and independence
- Interest in romantic relationships
Teaching Healthy Sexual Development
- Teaching what to expect and how to deal with changes that result from puberty
- Teaching the basics of reproduction, pregnancy, and childbirth
- Have an open conversation about sexual activity and welcome any questions they may have. Take the opportunity to educated them on pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and contraception
- Reinforcing that masturbation is common and normal but should be done in private
Teaching Body Safety
- Teaching your child as well as educating yourself as to how your child can maintain safety and personal boundaries when online
- Exploring with your child as well as teaching them how to recognize and avoid risky social situations
- Developing rules of dating
REMEMBER:
YOU
are the first line of defense in protecting your child from sexual abuse