Sexual abuse is common in schools today with most children becoming the victims. The sexual orientation of children determines their sexual behaviors. The term sexual abuse refers to an act of forcing someone to engage in undesired sexual behavior. A child can be said to have been sexually abused if they are forced to participate in sexual activities. This paper provides a response to the concerns of the boys’ teacher explaining to her if the boys’ behaviors is an indication of sexual abuse. It also covers the boys’ sexual orientation, and recommendations to the teacher based on health promotion of sexual development by parents and schools.
Whether the boys’ behavior is an indication of sexual abuse
To begin with, the behavior shown by Kyle …show more content…
Given that the boy’s age group is full of curiosity and exploration of body including genitals (Coffee, Fenning & Wells, 2015), it is too early to worry about their sexual orientation, that is, whether their behavior is an indication of homosexuality or not. At age five, most children like playing with their genitals by looking at other children’s genitals and showing theirs, and this is a normal curiosity. This might be the case with Kyle and Brandon. Touching each other’s penises does not necessarily mean that they are gays. These boys are basically engaging in what is commonly referred to as ‘play doctor’ which is normal during this stage of childhood development. Based on this, their sexual orientation should not be a major concern because their behavior can be explained by curiosity and consensual exploration attached to this age …show more content…
Even though some parents fear having open discussion with their children on matters concerning sexuality, such talks are very important as they help children to have a healthy sexual development (McKee, et al., 2010). Given that middle childhood, from the age of five, is characterized by weird behaviors, parents need to have serious talks about sexuality with their children. Both parents and teachers need to provide accurate information to children regarding sexuality. Also, children in this age group should be taught to understand and appreciate their body and the body changes as they grow older. Parents and teachers should teach the children the differences between male and female genitalia, the names and functions of every body part to avoid unnecessary confusion. More so, parents should talk about personal boundaries and inform their children that not every body part should be touched, and they should always cover their private parts and never touch other children’s private parts. To this end, children should be aware that touching other people’s private parts is sexual abuse (Coffee, Fenning &Wells,
Whether the boys’ behavior is an indication of sexual abuse
To begin with, the behavior shown by Kyle …show more content…
Given that the boy’s age group is full of curiosity and exploration of body including genitals (Coffee, Fenning & Wells, 2015), it is too early to worry about their sexual orientation, that is, whether their behavior is an indication of homosexuality or not. At age five, most children like playing with their genitals by looking at other children’s genitals and showing theirs, and this is a normal curiosity. This might be the case with Kyle and Brandon. Touching each other’s penises does not necessarily mean that they are gays. These boys are basically engaging in what is commonly referred to as ‘play doctor’ which is normal during this stage of childhood development. Based on this, their sexual orientation should not be a major concern because their behavior can be explained by curiosity and consensual exploration attached to this age …show more content…
Even though some parents fear having open discussion with their children on matters concerning sexuality, such talks are very important as they help children to have a healthy sexual development (McKee, et al., 2010). Given that middle childhood, from the age of five, is characterized by weird behaviors, parents need to have serious talks about sexuality with their children. Both parents and teachers need to provide accurate information to children regarding sexuality. Also, children in this age group should be taught to understand and appreciate their body and the body changes as they grow older. Parents and teachers should teach the children the differences between male and female genitalia, the names and functions of every body part to avoid unnecessary confusion. More so, parents should talk about personal boundaries and inform their children that not every body part should be touched, and they should always cover their private parts and never touch other children’s private parts. To this end, children should be aware that touching other people’s private parts is sexual abuse (Coffee, Fenning &Wells,