Abstract
Background: Ignorance, misconceptions and fear hinder the implementation of young children’s age-appropriate sexuality education (SE) globally. Methods to promote the SE of young children are needed. Aim: We aimed to evaluate why parents and professionals resist the concept of childhood SE and to test whether a child-centred term could reduce this resistance. Setting: We conducted nationwide studies in Finland plus focused studies in three groups. Methods: In open online situation analysis and needs assessment studies among early childhood education professionals ( n = 507) and parents ( n = 614) of 1–6-year-olds, negative, adulthood-associated connotations for the term ‘sexuality education’ were detected. We then evaluated whether a less sex-connected term than SE would be feasible to promote SE of young children. We combined ‘body’ and ‘emotion’, after our earlier study on children’s most common sexuality-related expressions, to form the new Finnish term Kehotunnekasvatus [body–emotion education] and tested it among professionals of sexual health ( n = 17) and early education ( n = 63) and primary health nurses ( n = 29). Results: Acceptance of the new term was excellent in all three groups; the new term was reported as ‘ more positive, more neutral, downplaying thoughts of sex’. Most respondents deemed it appropriate, necessary and usable in their work. Furthermore, the majority of those working daily with the parents of young children preferred the new term to ‘sexuality education’. Conclusion: After testing the functionality of a new Finnish term among Finnish professionals, the authors suggest considering replacing the term ‘sexuality education’ with a more child-centred and less sex-connected synonym when referring to SE for young children.
Highlights
During the intense years of early development, sexual health and rights are widely overlooked (Brilleslijper-Kater & Baartman 2000; Davies & Robinson 2010; Morawska et al 2015; Robinson & Davies 2016; Stone, Ingham & Gibbins 2013)
In Questionnaire C, we introduced the new term as a possible alternative to ‘sexuality education’ for 1–6-year-olds
What forms of expressing themselves and games that you consider sexual have you observed among children? What type of emotional responses does childhood sexuality raise in you? What kind of sexual behaviour do you think is acceptable for a child, and what kind of behaviour requires intervention? Please justify your answer
Summary
During the intense years of early development, sexual health and rights are widely overlooked (Brilleslijper-Kater & Baartman 2000; Davies & Robinson 2010; Morawska et al 2015; Robinson & Davies 2016; Stone, Ingham & Gibbins 2013). Children’s right to receive reliable age-appropriate information, safety skills and positive attitudes regarding their sexuality is poorly implemented. Children do not receive planned, equal and accurate responses to their needs related to sexual development (Davies & Robinson 2010; Robinson 2013; Sandnabba et al 2003). Misconceptions and fear hinder the implementation of young children’s age-appropriate sexuality education (SE) globally. Methods to promote the SE of young children are needed
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