Children as young as five could soon be learning about masturbation at school in terms of draft guidelines on sex education by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) which will be circulated globally.
The report, proposing what teachers should include in sex ed classes and when, has angered many conservative critics.
The report says children aged 5-8 years should be taught that “bodies can feel good when touched”, “rubbing one’s genitals is called masturbation” and “adults show love for other people in different ways, including through sex”.
The report also recommends this age group be taught the basic processes of fertilisation, conception and delivery.
Unesco says too few young people are properly prepared for sexual life, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/Aids.
“It’s completely inappropriate for innocent children to be talking about masturbation,” says Ann Widdecombe, a Conservative Party politician in Britain.
Another internet posting says, “I send my children to school to learn maths, science, grammar and spelling. The last thing I want is some teacher teaching my five- or even 10-year-old about sex. Let them be children and have their innocence for as long as possible.”
But others believe Unesco is right and it’s time children were given information on issues they already face so they can make better, healthier choices.
Clinical sexologist Dr Elna McIntosh agrees with the basic proposals. “People may seem shocked but the reality is children as young as five already masturbate. It’s what these kids think and feel about what they’re doing that’s a more important message - which should be the responsibility of teachers and parents.”
Co-author of the UN report, Nanette Ecker, says, “Maths and science are valued as important knowledge for young people. A sound sexuality education should be equally valued.”
*See the latest issue of YOU for a more detailed article on the Unesco proposals.