Sex education has long struggled to find a place in public life. In the 1980s, as HIV emerged in Western countries, society faced a sharp realization: neglecting sex education allowed fear and misinformation to spread. Political will to address the topic was weak, and resistance ran deep, rooted in older prejudices that have persisted to this day. Some believed that discussing sexuality with young people would disclose aspects of their nature too early. Yet sexuality is present in the body, in thoughts, and in desire, and it often appears before anyone can name it. Today, the challenge remains: many minors encounter explicit material online that can promote harmful norms. The era of HIV/AIDS made prevention a public priority, and campaigns promoted practical measures like condoms to curb transmission. Public health efforts met resistance from conservative sectors, yet a broader movement supported education that could prevent harm. The aim was not to punish or shame but to equip people with accurate information and practical skills. The involvement of NGOs and community groups helped advance these efforts, even when progress was uneven or contested.
There is still no universal, formal sexuality education in schools. Despite parental concerns and some administrator pushback, a few teachers address the topic, but a single talk in a year is not enough. Several organizations offer programs or speeches, yet one-off sessions do not change habits or attitudes. Effective sex education requires a dedicated curriculum, trained educators, and ongoing assessment to measure what learners actually understand and can apply. It should move beyond occasional demonstrations to structured guidance that includes practical information about prevention and healthy relationships, presented in a way that is accessible and respectful of diverse backgrounds.
In a society that often treats sexuality as taboo, conversations about pleasure and body autonomy are essential. People discover personal pleasure early, even in infancy, and it is the responsibility of adults to guide and inform so that young people can distinguish between influences at home, at school, and on the street or online. Clear, age-appropriate information helps young people navigate these influences safely and make informed choices. It is important to acknowledge that curiosity and exploration are natural parts of growing up, and a thoughtful approach can reduce shame and confusion rather than increase them.
When a child shows curiosity about their body or masturbation at a young age, it should not be framed as deviance. Providing accurate information in a respectful, nonjudgmental way helps families and educators support healthy development. Psychologists and researchers have long noted that early curiosity is a normal aspect of learning about the body. A calm, factual approach can prevent misinformation from taking root and empower young people to understand consent, boundaries, and safety. In this way, sexuality education becomes a shared responsibility, guided by evidence and compassionate communication rather than fear or stigma.