Barriers and prompts to parent-child sexual communication

A research report from 2016 investigating what prompts parents to start the conversation about sexuality with their children. Many parents feel that their children are too young to talk about sexuality, and often don't know how to start the conversation. This article addresses barriers that parents experience in regards to talking about sexuality with their children.

Boy puberty: How to talk about puberty and sex with your tween boy

Non-fiction

For parents/carers of 9 to 13 year olds to help them talk to their sons about puberty and sex. Tells you what topics to cover and gives ideas on how to start conversations.

Boys' stuff: Boys talking about what matters

A 224 page non-fiction book. Teenage boys reflect on their lives and cover topics such as: sex, friends, sports, drugs, music, school and family. They explain what the 'rules' are, how they break them and what's 'cool'.

Conversation Starters

Some ideas to help start conversations in general ways that aren't too personal or confronting.

DivaCup - free menstrual cup education resources

Diva International Inc. provides free resources about the DivaCup to health professionals and educators. Menstrual cups are a sustainable menstrual care option. To access a free education pack, contact the Australian distributor - Barton Brands info@bartonbrands.com.au. The educator pack includes: 1 x Model 0 DivaCup (for under 18s); 1 x Model 1 DivaCup (for under 30s and those who have not had a child); 1 x Model 2 DivaCup (for over 30s and/or those who have had a child); 1 x educational brochure.

Dr Yes

The Australian Medical Association of Western Australia (AMA WA) Dr Yes project sends specially trained volunteer medical students into high schools to have frank, open discussions on topics concerning youth health including sexual health. Enquiries can be made through dryes@amawa.com.au

Everything you never wanted your kids to know about sex (but were afraid they’d ask): the secrets to surviving your child’s sexual development from birth to the teens

Written by doctors, a guide to coping with a child’s sexual maturation.

Family Planning NSW

Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout NSW. Includes a section for teachers.

Family Planning Victoria (FPV)

Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout Victoria. Includes a section on school programs.

Get the Facts - 'Laugh and Learn' videos

Check out the Get the Facts 'Laugh and Learn' series of videos on the Get the Facts website. Designed to make young people laugh while they learn about puberty, condoms, BBVs and keeping safe in sexual situations.

Girl puberty: How to talk about puberty and sex with your tween girl

Topics: puberty

Non-fiction

For parents/carers of 9 to 13 year olds to help them talk to their daughters about puberty and sex. Explains what topics to cover and how to start conversations.

Age: Parents and teachers of children 9 to 13 years.

How to talk to kids about bodies

Non-fiction

A 38 page guide for parents showing them how to have shame-free conversations with their child about their genitals.

Age: Parents and teachers of children 0 to 12 years.

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 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.

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.

Menstrual cycle

(2 min 37 sec animated video) All you need to know about periods and the menstrual cycle explained in simple, clear images and language (Age 9+).

Menstrupedia Comic: the friendly guide to periods for girls

Menstrupedia Comic is an online resource, but there are also book versions available. The website and the book contain answers to questions about periods and provides useful information on menstruation, changing bodies and growing up.

More secret girls' business

Topics: puberty, menstruation.

Non-fiction

Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.

Age: 8+

One in five Australians forced to improvise on period products over costs

SBS News article on period poverty 3 August 2021.