Adolescents experience rapid physiological and psychological development and changes. On one hand, they are curious about the changes in their bodies and minds, while on the other hand, they do not know how to properly deal with these changes. Parents play a very important role in their children’s sex education, but parents often do not know how to talk to their children about sex education – and may even feel embarrassed to bring up the subject.
Therefore, the “The Small Shelter of the Soul” Psychological Counselling Centre, in collaboration with parents from our school, invited Chen Jing, founder of Yu Jian Ai Sex Education, to deliver a series of engaging and informative sex education lectures for both children and parents. Chen Jing is an expert consultant for the United Nations Population Fund and Reproductive Health Projects, a senior trainer in sex education, holds a Masters in Education from East China Normal University, and is a prominent leader in the field of children’s sex education.
The Origin of Life and Physiological Hygiene
Teacher Chen’s lecture for the fifth-grade students began with the provoking question, “Where do I come from?” This opening invited the children to embark on a thoughtful and positive exploration of life’s origins. Using visual aids, she demonstrated the two ways in which life is brought into the world, providing the students with a clear understanding of their beginnings.
She then guided them through an age-appropriate discussion about the physical differences between boys and girls, helping the students understand the bodily changes they experience at different stages of growth. Through this, they gained confidence in navigating the physical and emotional changes of growing up.
To deepen their understanding, the students watched a video on the birth of life, inspiring them to reflect on the value of life and instilling a sense of gratitude toward their parents.
Sex Safety and Self-Protection
Teacher Chen discussed the topic of preventing sexual assault with the children. Through real-life cases and games such as “Sexual Assault Grand Judgment” and “Who Might Harm Private Parts?”, she helped the children understand what sexual assault is, realize who might commit a sexual assault, judge different types of sexual assault, and acquire self-protection skills and methods, firmly establishing a sense of self-ownership. At the same time, they also learned which behaviours are invasive of others’ privacy and understood the legal consequences of such actions.
The children were introduced to the “NOT” principle, which provided practical steps to recognise and avoid harmful situations.
They were also introduced to the risks of online sexual abuse through real-life examples, where they learned the “Four No’s and One Must” rule for internet safety.
These lessons equipped them with essential knowledge to navigate both real-world and digital dangers with greater confidence and awareness.
In the relaxed and supportive atmosphere created by Chen Jing, the children gradually overcame their initial shyness and embarrassment, becoming more open and comfortable as the session progressed. Questions they had previously been hesitant to address were clarified, leaving them feeling more informed and at ease. By the end of the lecture, many children expressed that the sex education class was both valuable and meaningful.
For the first time, I realised how amazing our bodies are! I truly came to a scientific understanding of our origins, the structure of our reproductive organs, and how to protect ourselves when facing sexual assault. At first, when the teacher mentioned certain terms, we all instinctively covered our eyes. But later, I found myself becoming more and more at ease!
Through this sex education lecture, I learned that protecting my body is very important, and that I should not engage in dangerous behaviours or actions that harm my own body or others’ bodies.
I learned a lot about adolescent hygiene and self-protection during this lecture. There was a lot of information, and I need to take my time to digest it all.
Many things that I previously only vaguely understood became clear through Teacher Chen Jing’s humourous and engaging explanations and demonstrations. I have come to appreciate the wonder and value of life.
Teacher Chen’s lecture was very lively. I gained a detailed understanding of the differences between the male and female physiological systems, learned how to properly care for personal areas of my body, and became more aware of how to protect my privacy. Teacher Chen also explained the distinctions between rape, molestation, and sexual harassment with examples, which helped us know how to deal with such emergencies. I really enjoyed this kind of class.
This sex education lecture was truly fascinating! I have gained a better understanding of my own body and learned more about how to protect myself from harm by others, which is very important in my growth process.
During this sex education lecture, I learned about how our bodies grow and develop. At first, I felt shy and a little embarrassed, but thanks to Teacher Chen’s clear and thoughtful explanations, I gradually felt more comfortable and came to understand where I came from.
Teacher Chen explained the topics in great detail, teaching us how to keep our bodies clean and how to protect ourselves. This was truly a very important learning experience for us during our growth!
After listening to Teacher Chen Jing’s sex education lecture, I was deeply inspired. Teacher Chen explored the importance of sexual health, safety, and self-protection in a lively manner. I realised that sex education is not just about imparting physiological knowledge; it is also about cultivating self-awareness and social responsibility. Sex education is crucial for everyone as it helps us understand the differences in the physiological structures of males and females, the growth process of life, establishing correct sexual concepts, preventing unnecessary sexual assault risks, and adhering to sexual norms while respecting others. The cases and advice shared in the classroom also made me understand that sex education should be a comprehensive and ongoing process that runs through our growth journey and life.
So, how can parents talk to their children about sex education without embarrassment when they arrive home?
“How to approach sex education with adolescents without embarrassment?”
When it comes to the topic of sex, it’s not the children who feel embarrassed, but the parents. Therefore, Teacher Chen first led parents through “sexual normalisation,” helping them to discuss sexuality openly with their children. Then, she assisted parents in organising their sexual values and learning to guide their children with a positive and proactive attitude. Starting from the child’s daily life, she taught them to naturally and effortlessly guide their children to correctly understand their own bodies and emotions, planting a comprehensive and scientific view of sexuality in their children’s hearts.
What should I do if my child is ‘puppy loving’ or having an early romantic relationship?”
Parents need to establish a trusting relationship with their child, sharing their own experiences and feelings to build bonds and trust.
During communication, parents should convey their love and care for their children, making them feel supported and understood. At the same time, it’s important to make it clear to the child that while their choices will be respected, guidance and help can be provided at crucial moments.
Parents need to discuss rules for interacting with the opposite sex with their child:
▪Maintain a “one-arm social distance” apart from each other rule.
▪Never touch each other’s private parts.
▪Avoid being alone together in enclosed spaces; interact more in public places.
▪Learn to respect each other and be sincere in your interactions.
▪Balance the relationship between love and studies.
In the final interactive Q&A session of the lecture, parents eagerly asked their questions about how to approach sex education at home. Teacher Chen patiently addressed each query, offering thoughtful and practical guidance.
The session proved to be highly beneficial, leaving parents feeling more confident and equipped to handle these important conversations with their children
Some parents shared their thoughts, saying, “Today, I received so much valuable advice, which gave me a more comprehensive understanding of sex education!”
Others expressed, “Today was truly fruitful; I’ve become more confident around the topic of sex, and I can finally talk to my child about comprehensive sex education when I go back home!”
Others shared, “I’m excited to help begin my child’s journey into sex education using the methods Teacher Chen shared as soon as I get home today!”
In conclusion, this series of comprehensive and scientific sex education lectures successfully aimed to empower both parents and children to approach challenging and sensitive topics with greater ease and confidence. By fostering open communication and reducing feelings of embarrassment or discomfort, the lectures have left a lasting impact on our school community.