Let's talk about sex

Non-fiction

Biological and psychological information about sex: from puberty and conception to birth control and STIs, including sections on the body, families and babies, and sexual health. New edition includes expanded information on internet, texting safety, contraception and LGBT.

Let's talk about where babies come from

Non-fiction

Comics and cartoons outlining:  similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves. 

Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.

Age: 7 to 11 years.

Let's Yarn!

Let’s Yarn! has been developed to make it easier for educators, parents and health professionals to talk to young Aboriginal people about ways of developing strong, safe and healthy relationships. The website brings together useful resources developed by WA Health and other government and non-government agencies around Australia.

Love Bites

Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people aged 15-17 years. Consists of two interactive workshops: one on Relationship Violence, and one on Sex and Relationships, followed by creative workshops and community campaigns.

Making sense of sex: a forthright guide to puberty, sex and relationships for people with Asperger's Syndrome

A paperback book for teenagers and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have questions about puberty, sex and relationships.

Mission Australia

Mission Australia is a Christian charity. Their integrated services across Australia help people find safe and affordable housing, support disadvantaged children and families, empower troubled young people, assist people with mental illness and disability, and much more. Mission Australia conduct a number of comprehensive surveys on young people, alcohol and other drug use, homelessness and disability.

Mission Australia Youth Survey (2018)

Survey of 28,000 Australian young people aged 15-19 years. Covering topics such as: education; post school plans; employment; values and concerns; who they go to for help; family relationships; discrimination; what activities they are involved in; happiness; feelings about the future. Broken down into state responses.

Multicultural Communities Council of WA (MCCWA)

MCCWA supports and advocates disadvantaged individuals from CaLD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, social and cultural life of WA. Their youth program includes a 'youth conversation circle' which provides opportunity for newly arrived migrants to practice their communication skills in a health, wellbeing (including sexual health) and relationships context.

Parent-adolescent sexual communication and adolecent safer sex behavior: a meta-analysis

An article describing the importance of parent-adolescent communication to reduce risky sexual behaviour in young people.

Parents and their support for school-based relationships and sexuality education - Western Australia Snapshot Report (2022)

This project and final report were commissioned by the Western Australian Department of Health to examine parents' and caregivers' attitudes towards school-based relationships and sexuality education. This report summaries the WA data from the broader National survey.

Perceptions and Experiences of First Sexual Intercourse in Australian Adolescent Females

This article aims to better understand the factors that influence the initiation of first intercourse among adolescent females and to explore the context in which this occurs.

Porn and your kids fact sheet

1 page fact sheet with tips on how and why to talk about kids about pornography.

Profile of children and young people in WA (2020)

Commissioner for Children and Young People's profile of children and young people in WA.

Puberty and special girls

A simple yet sensitively written picture book that covers changes in bodies and appearance during puberty, good hygiene and other issues including protective behaviours and feelings for young women with special needs.

Reachout.com

Information, support and resources to help young people improve their understanding of mental health issues, develop resilience, and increase their coping skills and help-seeking behaviour.

RELATE: Respectful relationships education program

A free three stage education program for high school students. Each stage offers a term of scaffolded lessons that builds upon the previous stage. Topics include: gender stereotypes and expectations, respectful relationship qualities, non-consensual image sharing, decision making frameworks, communication techniques, sexual consent and sexual assault, help seeking and critical analysis.

Relationships Australia

Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities with an aim to support all people in Australia to achieve positive and respectful relationships. Each state has their own website with state specific services and information.

SECCA

SECCA is a non-profit organisation which supports people with disabilities, in their efforts to learn about human relationships, sexuality and sexual health across the lifespan. Offers education and training, counselling and consultancy services.

Sex Ed Rescue

Sex Ed Rescue is run by Cath Hakanson, a sex educator who helps parents to get the knowledge, skills and confidence to have conversations with their children about sex and relationships. This site offers videos, resources, books reviews, and a free 5 day sex ed bootcamp. Sex Ed Rescue also have a parent Facebook Group that offers opportunities for parents to seek feedback on specific topics and scenarios.

Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program

The WA Department of Health - Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program (SHBBVP) provides sexual health information and resources for the community, health professionals and educators. Funds service providers to deliver free and low cost education sessions, professional development, clinical appointments, testing and treatment. All SHBBVP hardcopy resources (posters, pamphlets, etc) can be bulk ordered for free in WA by setting up a free account at doh.getquickmail.com. Email shbbvp@health.wa.gov.au for individual copies.