1. Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence
Chapter Six
Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence

2. Sexuality Throughout the Life Cycle
From birth, we are rich in sexual and erotic potential
As children, the world around us shapes our views of our bodies, gender, and sexuality
As adolescents, our education continues as learning and yearning
As adults, we develop a potentially mature sexuality which is continually re-interpreted as we age

3. Sexuality in Infancy Psychosexual development begins in infancy
Learning about gender roles, how we should feel about our bodies
Learning about affectionate touch: Infants need stroking and cuddling 2

4. Sexuality in Childhood
Awareness of sex and sexuality begins earlier than most people realize
Masturbation is normal
About 40% of woman and 38% of men in one study remember masturbating before puberty.
Important for children to know proper names and functions of genitals

5. The Family Context
Styles of physical expression and feelings about modesty, privacy, and nudity vary
Communicate implicit messages about sexuality to children through their expression and feelings

6. Sexuality in Adolescence
Puberty: stage of development when body is capable of reproduction
Adolescence: the psychological state of puberty
A time of growth and confusion
Body matures faster than emotional and intellectual capabilities 3

7. Puberty in Girls Changes generally begin between ages 7 and 14
Growth spurt
Breast development
Pubic and underarm hair
Vaginal secretions
Menarche

8. Puberty in Boys Changes generally begin between ages 9 and 16
Growth spurt
Deepening voice
Muscle-mass growth
Pubic, underarm, and facial hair
Penis and testicles grow and develop
Ejaculation of semen

9. Influences on Sexual Development
Parents
Learn through observing parents’ behavior
Does not generalize to sexual orientation
Peers
Share information/misinformation
Create expectancy
Media
Significant exposure and influence

10. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Questioning Adolescents
Many people experience sexual fantasies concerning members of same sex
3-10% of teenagers begin to come to terms with same-sex attraction during adolescence

11. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Adolescents
Often a time of great emotional pain
More likely to have attempted suicide
More likely to have been absent from school out of fear for safety
Many teens of color face the additional burden of gayness being understood as “white,” and face rejection by their ethnic and racial peers

12. Adolescent Sexual Behavior
Hormones bring about a dramatic increase in sexual interest
Masturbation becomes more frequent
First intercourse
In the U.S., the average age for men is 16.9, and women is 17.4 years
Rates of first intercourse in high school are decreasing
Contraceptive use in this age group is increasing
1/3 of sexually active young women become pregnant once before the age of 20
View sex within a relationship as acceptable

13. First Intercourse
Many experience regret later in life regarding their first intercourse
Alcohol use is a predictor of sexual activity
Poor parental supervision is a predictor of sexual activity
Socioeconomic status

14. Teen Pregnancy
Rates of pregnancy and abortion in the U.S. are at their lowest in 60 years
Global pregnancy rates are rising
Difficult time in life to be pregnant due to restricted resources
Infants of teens have heightened risk of health problems

15. Teen Mothers High likelihood of living at or below poverty levels
Increase in teen mothers being unmarried
Ethnic differences in teen mothers
Higher risk of abuse
Special needs for social services

16. Teen Fathers Incidence is lower than teen mothers
Difficult to contribute support for children
Social support

17. Sexuality Education
Most teenagers have pressing concerns about sexuality
Most parents favor sexuality education for their children
The subject remains controversial
Controversy over homosexuality, contraception, and condom instruction

18. Sexuality Education: Types
Comprehensive:
Abstinence-based
Abstinence-only
Abstinence-only-until-marriage

19. Characteristics of Effective Sexuality Education Programs
A focus on reducing risky behaviors
A basis in proven theoretical approaches
A strong, clear stance on risky behavior
Providing accurate information about risks and methods
Addressing social pressures
Helping participants personalize course content