Wednesday, April 04, 2007

5th graders and sex

I just saw the news story of the 5 fifth graders who were arrested for having sex in a classroom. A man from the Family Research Council was on the news, saying that it was the result of the media and families that don't have a mother and a father.

Now, I need a lot more information...what did it mean that they were having sex? Can 10 and 11 year olds even have penile vaginal intercourse? Or, was this exploratory sex play without penetration of any kind?

But more importantly, where were the adults? And, what's the background of these children? And why was this released to the national news media -- at least until more information was known? And who is helping these children and their parents now?

I'm not sure what to think about this -- except that if there was ever a teachable moment to talk to your children, this is it. Tell them why sex is for grown ups -- not children. Tell them your values about sexual behavior for preteens and teens. Tell them you want them to wait. And ask your schools and faith community to start educating children about sexuality as well.

In most schools, puberty education begins at the end of the fifth grade. Regardless of what actually happened at this school, that's too late.

No comments: