A father’s role in the sexual health education of their children: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Parents play an important role in the sexual health education of their children. However, the sexual health education provided by parents is often limited. Since fathers are underrepresented in studies conducted in this area, we know even less about their role within it. This review therefore aims to answer the following question: what role do fathers currently play in the sexual health education of their children? A scoping review was conducted using five databases. The key themes explored were: father, child, communication and sexuality. In the search, 22 different studies were identified. Findings show that fathers talk less to their children about sexual health than mothers and they take on a more passive role. The main reason for not talking about sexual health is that the child is perceived as being not old enough. Conversations that do take place seem to be risk-focused. Fathers also seem to talk more frequently about sexual health with daughters than sons. The future challenge for researchers and practitioners is to get fathers to take on a more proactive role in sexual health education; start communicating with their children at a younger age; and include topics geared towards the more positive aspects of sexuality.