Question

The opening of Judith Levine "Harmful to Minor" chapter Manhunt starts with a stern warning about children and adult child molesters. What do you think the impact is that children's first discussion of sex be one of warning and fear? What are some suggestions for how to keep children safe and also make sure that sex is not associated with fear?

Answer 1

Enlightening and warning the child about sex is important. However, a child must not develop fear or associate sex with it. It is important that the child is first given a sex education class. He must be taught everything he needs to know. Once that is achieved, a child must be spoken to about the 'good' and the 'bad' touch. It really depends on the tone, pitch and vocabulary of a parent/teacher while talking about sex. The more casual a parent/teacher is, the less likely would a child associate fear with sex. However, the child must be gently warned about the existence of molesters and the meaning of molestation. This would result in the child being aware and the same time being cautious.