While in Western society sex is no longer a taboo subject, in many households talking about it is still a complicated matter . Sex appears on television, in the cinema, in magazines and even on billboards, but from the inside, it is still an uncomfortable and embarrassing subject, and many parents are reluctant to have this kind of conversation with their children.

The world is changing a lot in the last decades due to new technologies and the exposure and media impact that sex has, it is necessary a correct sexual education from the different educational agents, especially from the family. The classic way of practicing sex has been giving way to more diversified forms of sexual relations.

One study confirms the importance of talking about sex in the family

If you are a parent you will be interested to know that a recent study has shown that talking to your children about sex is beneficial for them . This is especially important for adolescents, as treating sex as something forbidden can condition them negatively for the rest of their lives. Correct sex education can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, sexual disorders, improve future relationships, etc., in other words, it can improve both the emotional and physical health of your children and positively affect their future well-being.

A study conducted by Laura Widman of North Carolina State University and published in JAMA Pediatrics states that talking about sex with parents, especially mothers, has a positive effect on safer sexual behaviour in adolescents , especially among girls. The study reviewed 52 studies from the last 30 years in which more than 25,000 adolescents had participated.

Parent-child communication about sex promotes safe sex

The results of the study conducted by Widman and his collaborators confirm the positive effect of parent-child talks on sex. The association between communication with parents and the use of contraceptive methods in adolescents would be significantly more frequent in women than in men. Therefore, discussions focused on these topics are a protective factor for youth and is the best way to prevent sexual behaviour that can affect the mental and physical health and well-being of adolescents .

Sexual misconduct and behaviour associated with risky attitudes is a major problem due to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. Therefore, communication between parents and adolescents is one of the factors that could lead to safer sex among young people, including the use of contraceptives . Unfortunately, this does not always happen due to shame or ignorance.

Talking about sex with your children is protecting them

Laura Witman, the study’s director, explains: “Talking about sex with your children is one way to protect them. Starting these kinds of conversations, even though they may seem a little uncomfortable, will help your child and make him or her feel that they can trust you. Witman adds: “In the study, we found that children whose parents talked to them about issues such as condoms or sexually transmitted diseases were more likely to take precautions during sex.

The author of the study also explains that the reason why talks about sex in the family are more productive between mother-daughter is because women are easier to communicate than boys and men. On the other hand, “it could also be that society is more protective of girls in this regard, so parents try to protect them.

Regarding the role of parents in conversations about sex: “There is really little research in this area that is specifically focused on parents. Still, this study sends a message to parents: what parents say to their children matters,” says Witman.

Reasons to talk about sex with your children

Many parents still find it difficult to give their children good sex education when they have not received it. Addressing this issue can be difficult and it is necessary to find the way and the way to do it naturally . But it is necessary to address this issue in the family so that the children can experience sexuality in all its fullness.

Since talking about sex with your children will benefit them, here are some reasons why you should do so:

  • When children have questions, parents, because of their experience and because of the love they feel for them, are the best source of answers.
  • It can be traumatic for a child to live through his or her adolescence without being sexually prepared.
  • Children need to learn about sex. Better to get education from parents, than to get bad education from the media.
  • When children do not have enough information, they are easily influenced.
  • Talking about sex builds trust between parents and children.
  • Children need to fully enjoy their sexuality without fear or insecurity.