Age-appropriate Education Research Articles

Co-producing COVID-19 health education resources with ethnic minority communities in the UK

Abstract Background Effective communication of relevant health information is challenging in elderly minority ethnic groups due to language barriers and cultural differences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the public health guidance around COVID-19 was in dominant languages, lacking cultural nuance. This study aimed to co-produce culturally, linguistically, and age-appropriate health education resources in COVID-19, tailored to the needs of older adults from ethnic minority backgrounds. Methods This study involved three stages: 1) Semi-structured interviews with Indian and Nepalese older adults (≥65 years), their families (≥18 years) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (≥18 years) engaging with these communities; 2) Co-production of COVID-19 information resource, and c) Implementation of co-produced resources among the communities. Results 24 participants took part in the study. There was wide variation in participants’ knowledge of COVID-19; some were knowledgeable, while others had limited information. Participants highlighted the need for information in multiple formats and languages and discussed the importance of culturally avenues for information dissemination. Drawing on these findings and two co-production workshops held with the stakeholders, culturally sensitive information leaflets (electronic and paper) were co-prodcued in Hindi and Nepalese using age-appropriate images and infographics. The leaflets were distributed widely to the Nepalese and Indian communities, healthcare trusts and local authorities using the networks of community members, HCPs, and religious leaders. Conclusions The project highlights the significance of participatory methods in the development of culturally relevant public health interventions applicable to the cultural practices of ethnic minority groups. The co-production approach in this study could influence information provision for future public health campaigns for other marginalised groups. Key messages • Health information should be co-produced with a representative sample of the community members and relevant stakeholders. • There is a need on an ongoing basis to identify and fill the information gaps, address misinformation and develop targeted messages.

Sexuality in Older Adults: Comprehensive Strategies for Clinicians and Patient-Centered Care.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in promoting sexual health among older adults, an important yet often neglected aspect of aging well. Although sexuality evolves beyond the reproductive years, it remains a meaningful part of life for many. Despite the natural decline in sexual activity with age, numerous older adults continue to value and engage in fulfilling sexual relationships. Unfortunately, targeted interventions to support later-life sexuality are lacking, creating gaps in care. Sexuality in older adults is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Clinicians should include comprehensive sexual health assessments, including STI screenings, as part of routine care. Providing age-appropriate sexual education and resources helps promote lifelong sexual wellness. Open communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital for addressing sexual concerns, often left unspoken due to stigma or discomfort. Additionally, adopting lifestyle medicine principles-such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and social connection-can enhance sexual health and overall well-being. Specialized training for healthcare professionals on the unique aspects of older adult sexuality is essential to bridge knowledge gaps. A holistic, evidence-based approach will empower providers to better support the evolving sexual health needs of older adults, improving their quality of life.

The Status of Food and Nutrition Literacy and its determinants among Elementary School students in Egypt: community nursing-led design

AimTo assess food and nutrition literacy status and its determinants among elementary school students in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt.BackgroundDeveloping strategies to enhance food and nutrition literacy necessitates a deeper understanding of the food and nutrition literacy situation among elementary school students and associated factors.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted.MethodsA final sample of 400 primary school students (aged 6–12 years) at Itay El Barud public elementary schools in El-Beheira Governorate were administered (1) a socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements questionnaire developed by the researchers, and (2) the Food and Nutrition Literacy Scale. The derived data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric tests.ResultsThe majority (61%) of students had low food and nutrition literacy scores. The results have shown that overall socio-demographic variables were significant in predicting understanding food and nutrition information, nutritional health knowledge, interactive functional and nutritional literacy, critical food and nutritional literacy, and food labeling.ConclusionThe study reveals that elementary school students in Egypt have poor knowledge and skills in food and nutrition literacy, largely due to a lack of nutrition education and family awareness. Factors like residential location, income, and education level also contribute to this disparity.Implications for the professionTo improve nutrition literacy among students, a nursing approach involving community stakeholders and school nurses is recommended. This includes integrating nutrition-related topics into the school curriculum, organizing workshops, and conducting age-appropriate health education sessions. Active engagement between community health and school nurses is crucial for raising awareness about healthy nutritional choices.ImpactThese findings hold an important impact on the education system and those designing curricula, emphasizing the need for significant incorporation of knowledge and skills related to food and nutrition within schools.Reporting methodCompliance with the STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was maintained throughout the research.Patient or public contributionNo Patient or Public Contribution.

Barriers to inclusive education of children with autism: Ghanaian teachers’ perspective

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition, has become a major concern for both developed and underdeveloped countries since the condition is associated with significant caregiver, family, and financial burdens. Approaches to educating these children, especially in their preschool years, are burdensome and demanding for both parents and teachers. Although it is recommended that children with ASD receive inclusive, age-appropriate education in mainstream school settings, there are barriers in Ghana. This study explored barriers faced by preschool teachers in implementing and adhering to inclusive education for children with ASD.MethodsThe study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design to sample 17 participants in the Greater Accra Region using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through an in-depth virtual interview and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe study identified inadequate parental cooperation, poor ASD knowledge of the teachers, socio-cultural and political issues, and a lack of collaboration with other professionals as major barriers thwarting the success of inclusive education for children with ASD in Ghana.ConclusionThese barriers affect effective and successful adherence to inclusive education for children with ASD, and as such, we recommend orientation and special training for teachers, the provision of resources for effective child inclusion, and the creation of ASD awareness during the training of pre-school teachers.

Water safe Worcester: student-led drowning prevention in an adolescent underserved population.

Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years have the second highest fatal drowning rate of any age group, second only to toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. This risk is amplified in black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and those of low socioeconomic status. Worcester, MA is a diverse city with over 40% of residents identifying as BIPOC and 20% living below the poverty line. The city has multiple natural bodies of water available for recreation, putting Worcester residents, particularly adolescents, at high risk of drowning. It is known that swimming lessons provided to adolescents significantly improve their swimming skills, however many programs are tailored to young children and are not appropriate for adolescents. Students from the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan Medical School (UMass Chan), in collaboration with community partners, developed a water safety and swim education program tailored to Worcester adolescents as a means for an age-appropriate swim experience and education, community engagement, and injury prevention. Water Safe Worcester (WSW) was established as a city-wide injury prevention program that included swim lessons offered by medical students at the Central Community Branch YMCA in Worcester, MA. Instructors included UMass Chan medical students, graduate students, and staff. Adolescent YMCA members were invited to participate in lessons free of charge. Lessons were 90 min and emphasized a 3-fold approach: (1) expand knowledge of water safety and what to do in an emergency, (2) increase swimming skills, and (3) reduce fear of water. The overall attendance for the 2023 spring and summer sessions offered was 73 students, including multiple swimmers who attended more than one session. A total of 12 volunteers participated, which included 9 first-year medical students, one PhD student, one research assistant, and one surgery resident from UMass Chan. WSW demonstrated promising outcomes during its swim education classes, suggesting that WSW is a successful model to promote water safety, reduce the risk of drowning, and expand access to life-saving skills to Worcester's at-risk adolescents. This program serves as a critical step toward health equity while also providing an avenue for public health and injury prevention exposure for medical students.

The imperative of the child life profession in KSA in transforming the quality of pediatric healthcare

Saudi Arabia has made substantial advancements in its pediatric healthcare infrastructure. However, substantial gaps persist in addressing hospitalized children's emotional safety, and psychosocial and developmental needs. Internationally, the child life profession has evolved over decades to specifically address these needs, through interventions such as therapeutic play, age-appropriate patient education, and family support.This article evaluates the imperative for integrating the child life profession into healthcare services in Saudi Arabia to transform the quality of pediatric healthcare. An analysis of the current landscape revealed gaps in pediatric psychosocial care. These gaps are listed as national priorities in the health transformation program aimed at improving healthcare quality and enhancing well-being. Integrating the child life profession can help achieve these objectives for children and families in Saudi Arabia.This article highlights the multifaceted benefits of the child life profession in improving patient experiences, healthcare delivery efficiency, pediatric healthcare quality, and the overall well-being of children and families. Strategies for phased implementation, involving healthcare institutions, academic partners, relevant non-profit partners, and policymakers, are proposed.

Enhancing Epilepsy Awareness and Cooperative Care in Elementary and Middle Schools

Epilepsy, a prevalent chronic neurological disorder, presents numerous challenges for people with epilepsy (PWEs) and their caregivers. They experience difficulties in receiving proper care and support due to stigma and misconceptions. Promoting public awareness in early education would be critical to reduce the stigma and to properly support them. We conducted 145 surveys and 21 interviews with teachers, school nurses, and parents of elementary and middle school students. While the participants exhibited slightly positive attitudes towards PWEs, we identified obstacles that hinder learning about epilepsy and seizure first aid: inadequate education and limited information sharing among school stakeholders. Moreover, there is a pressing need for age-appropriate education that considers the students' ages and perceptual levels. Considering the current limitations and needs, we propose potential implications for future information and communication technologies (ICTs) designs, including knowledge-sharing systems and an educational game aimed at enhancing epilepsy awareness and fostering collaborative care in elementary and middle school environments.

AI ethics should be mandatory for schoolchildren

AbstractAs society increasingly integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its fabric, AI ethics education in primary schools becomes necessary. Drawing parallels between the integration of foundational subjects such as languages and mathematics and the pressing need for AI literacy, we argue for mandatory, age-appropriate AI education focusing on technical proficiency and ethical implications. Analogous to how sex and drug education prepare youth for real-world challenges and decisions, AI education is crucial for equipping students to navigate an AI-driven future responsibly. Our study delineates the ethical pillars, such as data privacy and unbiased algorithms, essential for students to grasp, and presents a framework for AI literacy integration in elementary schools. What is needed is a comprehensive, dynamic, and evidence-based approach to AI education, to prepare students for an AI-driven future.

Tunisian parents’ expectations and approaches regarding sex education of their children according to their age: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionAdolescents often lack vital information for making wise sexual and reproductive decisions, leading to risks like abuse, unwanted pregnancies, and infections. Comprehensive, early, and age-appropriate sex education is crucial. While parents should play a significant role, many underestimate their responsibility. The perception of sex education is changing, with younger parents being more open to participating in their children’s education.ObjectivesThis study compares the approaches of Tunisian parents with adolescent and pre-adolescent children towards sex education.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from Tunisian parents of children between the ages of 1 to 18 using an online survey. Two groups were recruited based on the age of their children, one group had parents of children younger than 10 years old, and the other had parents of adolescents. The survey included questions about the participants’ demographics, approach to sex education, reasons for their approach, and opinions on sex-related education in public schools. The survey was anonymous and confidential, and data were collected from January to March 2023 through various social media platforms.Results This study surveyed 232 Tunisian parents with children between the ages of 1 and 18, divided into two groups based on the age of their children. The majority of participants were female (62.1%) and married (81.9%). The majority of participants in both groups agreed that sex education is important and indispensable, but only 54.7% of parents in the older children group responded positively to teaching sexual education as an independent subject. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding their opinions about the appropriate age of sexual education for their children, and who they think should discuss sexual and reproductive health with young people. Most participants indicated that the human body and its development, sexual and reproductive health, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, contraception as well as puberty are the most important subjects to be addressed. Sexuality and sexual behaviors, the concepts of violence and safety, interpersonal relationships, consent, insults, harassment, and sexist cyberbullying were less frequently mentioned.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study highlights the importance of sex education in Tunisia. Parents in both groups support it but differ on timing and integration. Barriers like communication challenges and religious beliefs exist. These insights can guide tailored sex education programs for Tunisian parents, promoting youth sexual and reproductive health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Information needs on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its management in children and adolescents: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore the information needs related to insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the children’s perspectives as...

Care Models and Barriers to Long-Term Follow-Up Care Among Childhood Cancer Survivors and Health Care Providers in Asia: A Literature Review.

Most available data evaluating childhood cancer survivorship care focus on the experiences of high-income Western countries, whereas data from Asian countries are limited. To address this knowledge deficit, we aimed to characterize survivorship care models and barriers to participation in long-term follow-up (LTFU) care among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) and health care providers in Asian countries. Twenty-four studies were identified. Most institutions in China and Turkey adopt the oncology specialist care model, whereas in Japan, India, Singapore, and South Korea, after completion of therapy LTFU programs are available in some institutions. In terms of survivor barriers, findings highlight the need for comprehensive age-appropriate education and support and personalized approaches in addressing individual preferences and challenges during survivorship. Health care professionals need education about potential late effects of cancer treatment, recommended guidance for health surveillance and follow-up care, and their role in facilitating the transition from pediatric to adult-focused care. To optimize the delivery of cancer survivorship care, efforts are needed to increase patient and family awareness about the purpose and potential benefits of LTFU care, improve provider education and training, and promote policy change to ensure that CCSs have access to essential services and resources to optimize quality of survival.

FIGO position statement on comprehensive sexuality education.

Now is a pivotal moment in the fight for reproductive health and justice internationally. Well-established research has recognized the benefits of comprehensive sexuality education for youth and adolescents-including vast reproductive health benefits, decreased interpersonal violence, and improvements on measures of academic success and well-being. Despite these established benefits, challenges to the implementation of culturally sensitive and holistically framed sexuality education are intensifying across the globe. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stands firmly in its support of comprehensive sexuality education and re-emphasizes the importance of the implementation of scientifically accurate, age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and inclusive education. Successful implementation relies on active youth leadership, physician involvement, and a renewed focus on high-quality monitoring mechanisms to assess impact and accountability at all levels. Most importantly, future efforts to improve and scale comprehensive sexuality education must emphasize the importance of an inclusive curriculum that addresses previously marginalized youth, such as LGTBQ+ and disabled individuals, through a reproductive justice lens. FIGO commits, and encourages the international healthcare community, to provide continued advocacy for the rights to health, education, and equality, in order to achieve improvement in health outcomes for young people across the globe.

Friends, Family, and Food: Development of a Food Allergy Intervention, F3-App, for Children.

Despite a marked increase in the prevalence of pediatric IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) in recent decades, there is a dearth of age-appropriate management education and support tools for youth with FA. The purpose of this report is to detail our methods for intervention design and refinement of an interactive educational software program for school-aged children with FA. Development of the "Friends, Family and Food Application (F3-App)" employed an iterative, user-centered design approach with input from children with FA, their caregivers, and other key experts. Phase 1 (Prototype Development/Pilot Evaluation) involved family input on key themes and educational messages, development of a prototype, and pilot testing. Phase 2 (Full F3-App Development/Open Trial) included refinement and expansion of the prototype per advisory panel and end-user recommendations, followed by an open trial with additional iterative refinement. Acceptability and credibility of the F3-App were rated highly by most participants. Relatively few technical challenges arose with F3-App installation or use. Follow up interviews with children and caregivers suggested that the F3-App was generally well-received, families found the content useful, and that it prompted family discussion about the child's FA management. User input is critical to developing family-friendly software to support management of pediatric chronic conditions. Interactive educational software can be a useful channel for children to practice skills and build confidence in disease self-management and to facilitate family communication regarding the stresses of FA management. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05111938.

Nursing Care of Adolescents Undergoing HSCT

Autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT), also known as autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), is a medical procedure where a patient’s own stem cells are collected and later infused back into the patient after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation. This procedure is often used in the treatment of certain cancers, such as neuroblastoma or leukemia, as well as certain non-malignant conditions. Nursing care for a child undergoing autologous bone marrow transplant involves various aspects of physical, emotional and psychosocial support. Here are some key nursing considerations Pre-transplant care education provides age-appropriate education about the transplant process, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure. Educate the child and family about potential side effects, complications and the importance of strict infection control measures. Children undergoing HSCT face lot of challenges and pediatric nurses play a vital role in providing safe and quality care.

Playful Pathways to Age-Appropriate Sexual Education: Crafting Board Game Media for 4-6-Year-Olds

Sex education is very important for early childhood because it helps children avoid the rampant cases of violence that have recently occurred in children. In addition, knowledge related to sex education among educators, parents and even BKB cadres is still minimal. Therefore, it really needs the right media to educate in giving sex education properly. This study aims to develop a board game to introduce sex education from an early age to children aged 4-6 years, in addition to testing the feasibility of board games in terms of validity and effectiveness. This research is research and development using the ADDIE model. The sample in this study was 30 children aged 4-6 years in the KB village of Ambon city. The data in this study were obtained through two main techniques, namely interviews and observations. In the initial phase, the data were analyzed qualitatively to understand the perspectives held by Family Planning (KB) facilitators and parents regarding early childhood sex education. Subsequently, in the evaluation phase, quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics obtained from expert validation, teacher response questionnaires, and student observation sheets. The results of this analysis were used to provide insights into the validity, utility, and effectiveness of the product developed in this research. The feasibility of using board games, seen from the aspect of validity, was obtained through the assessment of media experts and material experts. In contrast, the effectiveness aspect was obtained through observing the ability to understand sex education in children aged 4 to 6 years. The results showed that the board game was feasible in terms of the validity aspect of the material in the very good category, the validity aspect of the media in the very good category, and the effectiveness aspect in the good category.

Optimising Preconception Care

Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of infertility and a range of pregnancy complications. It is therefore important to understand how to optimise preconception care to reduce these risks. A reproductive life plan and age-appropriate education on optimising reproductive health is recommended in adolescents and women with PCOS. This should occur across the domains of appropriate nutritional intake (dietary and supplement sources), optimising physical activity, considering the effects of excess weight on fertility and being aware of the effects of substances on fertility. Dietary intake should be consistent with population guidelines for healthy eating with appropriate intake of core food groups and limited intake of discretionary foods high in added sugar, sodium, trans and saturated fats. Recommendations exist for preconception micronutrient supplementation including folic acid and iodine (in the Australian context) with others (e.g., vitamin D, iron, calcium and B12) as per deficiencies or other country specific guidelines. Recommendations for physical activity should also be consistent with general population guidelines comprising moderate intensity physical activity of >150 minutes/week or vigorous intensity physical activity of 75 minutes/week or a combination of both, engaging in muscle strengthening activities [Formula: see text]2 days/week and minimising the amount of time spent in prolonged sitting. The association of excess weight on reduced fertility are recognised from epidemiological literature and current guidelines highlight strategies of modest weight loss at higher BMIs. This is an important and emerging field of literature where future research can elucidate efficacy in randomised controlled trials across different interventions and populations. When working with all women preconception, and in particular women with PCOS, it is important to consider weight stigma, disordered eating and eating disorders when discussing the relationship of infertility and weight and potential modification of weight. Substance use can be considered across limiting high intake of caffeine and avoiding alcohol and illicit substance intake and smoking.

Effects of health education during public health emergencies on the health literacy, emotion and coping style of Chinese junior middle school students: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSchools are high incidence places for public health emergencies. Good health literacy helps students cope with public health emergencies. Overall, the health literacy of young students is relatively low. Health education can promote health literacy, but the health education related to public health emergencies for Chinese junior middle school students needs to be improved. To design and implement health education courses related to public health emergencies for junior middle school students and examine the impact on their health literacy, emotions, and coping styles.MethodsFrom March to December 2022, 724 students in Grade 7 and Grade 8 of two junior middle schools in Changzhou were randomly divided into a course group (n = 359) and a control group (n = 365). The course group received an age-appropriate health education course that addressed public health emergencies; there were 12 classes, one per week. The control group received general health education. One week before and after the courses, the two groups of students were assessed with the Adolescent Health Literacy Evaluation Scale under Public Health Emergencies (AHLES-PHE), the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ).ResultsAfter the courses were completed, the scores of AHLES-PHE [156.0 (45.0,180.0) vs. 165.0 (54.0,180.0), P < 0. 05] in the course group increased significantly. The positive rate of DSRSC [81 (22.6%) vs. 57 (15.9%), P < 0.05] and GAD-7 [45 (12.5%) vs. 29 (8.1), P < 0.05]in the course group were significantly lower than those before courses. There was no significant difference in the above indices before and after courses in the control group (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis suggests that the health education courses related to public health emergencies designed in this study has an effect on improving health literacy, depression and anxiety in junior middle school students.

Patient Query in Adolescent Testicular Torsion Cases: "Was it Necessary to Mention My Scrotal Pain?"

Objective This study investigates the reasons for the failure to diagnose testicular torsion (TT) in different healthcare facilities (HCFs) and by various physicians. Method We retrospectively analyzed all male patients who underwent TT surgery within the adolescent age group between 2015 and 2023. Healthy adolescent patients who initially presented or were referred to an HCF and were subsequently diagnosed at our hospital for TT surgery were analyzed, focusing on why they were not diagnosed earlier. Results A total of 11 patients aged 10 to 17 who were surgically confirmed to have TT at our hospital between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients had been admitted to various public and private HCFs due to the sudden onset of symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, fainting, sweating, and walking difficulties during and after working hours. Four patients had previously been admitted to one HCF, while seven had been admitted two to six times to an HCF. All patients were healthy, and all but one had received age-appropriate education. However, only two of them had reported experiencing scrotal pain. Laboratory tests and/or radiological examinations were conducted on eight patients, and nine patients received medical treatment and/or prescriptions. None of the patients were initially diagnosed with acute scrotum. Conclusion Despite having unrestricted and free access to well-equipped HCFs, the early diagnosis and treatment of TT are not ensured. Factors contributing to this delay include patients' concealment of, or failure to fully disclose, scrotal complaints, as well as physicians' incomplete history taking and genital examinations. The physician's male gender was not found to contribute to an earlier diagnosis of TT. A mandatory genital examination should be included in the emergency assessment protocol for male patients.

Changes in the superior longitudinal fasciculus and anterior thalamic radiation in the left brain are associated with developmental dyscalculia.

Developmental dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental disorder specific to arithmetic learning even with normal intelligence and age-appropriate education. Difficulties often persist from childhood through adulthood lowering the individual's quality of life. However, the neural correlates of developmental dyscalculia are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify brain structural connectivity alterations in developmental dyscalculia. All participants were recruited from a large scale, non-referred population sample in a longitudinal design. We studied 10 children with developmental dyscalculia (11.3 ± 0.7 years) and 16 typically developing peers (11.2 ± 0.6 years) using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed white matter microstructure with tract-based spatial statistics in regions-of-interest tracts that had previously been related to math ability in children. Then we used global probabilistic tractography for the first time to measure and compare tract length between developmental dyscalculia and typically developing groups. The high angular resolution diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and crossing-fiber probabilistic tractography allowed us to evaluate the length of the pathways compared to previous studies. The major findings of our study were reduced white matter coherence and shorter tract length of the left superior longitudinal/arcuate fasciculus and left anterior thalamic radiation in the developmental dyscalculia group. Furthermore, the lower white matter coherence and shorter pathways tended to be associated with the lower math performance. These results from the regional analyses indicate that learning, memory and language-related pathways in the left hemisphere might be related to developmental dyscalculia in children.

What do 3–6-year-old children in Finland know about sexuality? A child interview study in early education

ABSTRACT Only a very few studies to date have comprehensively assessed children’s knowledge of sexuality. In this study, we examined the level of sexual knowledge among children aged 3–6 years in Finland. We analysed children’s explanations of what they saw in drawings related to genital naming, conception and childbirth, safety skills, and adult sexual activity. Levels of knowledge were generally low. The largest number of correct answers were given for genital naming and safety skills. Knowledge increased with age. Children’s gender was not related to their total level of knowledge. There was a correlation between children’s ability to name their genitals and their knowledge of safety skills. The results suggest that only what is known about can be protected. Building on the findings of this study, age-appropriate sexuality education should be provided to all children.