Let's talk about the birds and the bees

Non-fiction

Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations. 

Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)

Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.

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.

Not as simple as 'no means no': what young people need to know about consent

A news article from The Conversation written by Jacqui Hendriks from Curtin University.

Online harmful sexual behaviours

esafety position statement on online harmful sexual behaviours (2020)

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.

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

The Western Australian branch of Relationships Australia offers a wide range of programs and services to support positive and respectful relationships.

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.

Relationships, sex and other stuff

A WA Department of Health booklet for teenagers addressing friends and relationships, sex and pregnancy.

RESPECT Counselling Service

Free 24 hour national counselling service for people at risk of, or who have experienced physical or sexual violence.

Send noods?

Information on laws and issues to consider in relation to 'sexting' and sharing nude pictures with other people.

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.

Sex. Youth Law Australia

Youth Law Australia give free and confidential legal advice about sex and dating. This site discussed sex, dating, and relationships.

Sexting and young people (2015)

47% of young people have engaged in sending and receiving sexually suggestive pictures (sexting). Report to the Criminology Research Advisory Council.