This episode of the “Fanjan” podcast addresses a crucial topic related to educating children about sexual culture and teaching them how to handle sensitive information in this context. Abdul Rahman Abu Malhama hosts Dr. Heba Hariri, a psychotherapist and professor at the University of Jeddah, where the discussion focuses on the risks children face in a world filled with increasing challenges such as harassment and sexual violence, and how parents can prepare to confront them through education and awareness.
Dr. Heba emphasizes the necessity of providing sexual knowledge to children from a young age, stressing that a lack of this knowledge can leave them vulnerable to harassment or abuse. She explains how societal culture plays a significant role in shaping concepts around sex and sexual education, often leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment when discussing these matters.
The episode discusses the importance of building a safe environment that enhances trust between children and their caregivers, contributing to opening the door for dialogue about embarrassing questions or fears children face. It also addresses discussions on how to handle questions related to the body and differences between genders, and the importance of introducing information gradually according to children’s ages.
Dr. Heba highlights research and studies that indicate approximately 80% of harassment cases involve an offender under the age of 18, underscoring the urgent need to educate children about the boundaries of their bodies and their rights. She explains how many children may be exposed to inappropriate content through media and emphasizes the need to guide them gently and cautiously toward correct knowledge.
The episode also explores the relationship between sexual education and mental health, and the necessity of teaching children how to express their feelings and understand their bodies. This conversation serves as a call for parents to have the courage and confidence to talk to their children about these sensitive topics, contributing to the protection and development of a conscious generation capable of dealing with modern challenges.
The Culture of Harassment and the Importance of Sexual Knowledge
Statistics indicate that 80% of sexual assault cases involve an offender under the age of eighteen, highlighting the importance of children being fully aware of concepts related to bodily safety and sexual knowledge. Sexual harassment often begins due to a lack of sufficient information for children about their bodies and boundaries. In this context, education in sexual culture is an urgent necessity to protect children from misunderstandings or exposure to sexual assaults. This type of knowledge is not limited to the relationship between spouses but expands to encompass all that relates to the body and privacy, helping children understand what is acceptable and what is not.
It is essential to teach children, from an early age, how to recognize their private parts and how to act when they feel threatened or in danger. Sexual education should be a part of upbringing, so that children can speak freely about any issues they may face, making it easier for them to seek help when they need it. This understanding is based on providing accurate and correct information, which reduces the chances of them being exploited.
Sexual education can involve the use of age-appropriate educational materials and providing a safe environment for them to express their questions and inquiries. Parents should also be good role models in this context, by learning how to handle sensitive topics openly and clearly, which enhances children’s confidence in talking to their parents.
When Should Children Start Sexual Education?
The early childhood stage is one of the most important periods when sexual knowledge education should begin. It is recommended that this education starts the moment the child begins to understand the concept of their body and the differences between genders. Parents should be aware that children may start asking questions about their bodies from a young age, so it is important for parents to be prepared and able to answer these questions in a way that satisfies their curiosity and is appropriate for their ages.
In
Children aged three to five can focus education on identifying body parts and the importance of privacy. Games or stories can be used to facilitate understanding, as these methods can help convey information in a fun and non-scary way, allowing children to engage with the ideas freely. After that, the scope of information can be expanded to include topics such as puberty and emotions, especially when the child reaches school age.
Gradually, children can learn about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, and how to handle them healthily. This requires parents to be ready to engage in deeper conversations about sex and relationships, emphasizing the importance of respect and friendship in these relationships. Education should be ongoing and renewed, taking into account different age stages and the requirements of each stage.
Harassment and the Impact of Lack of Sexual Knowledge
Many studies show that the absence of sexual information and knowledge can lead to children being exposed to harassment. When children do not understand their boundaries or how to protect themselves, they become vulnerable to exploitation. Many cases dealt with in psychological clinics reflect trauma resulting from harassment experiences that children faced at an early age, and these individuals often find it difficult to cope with the negative emotions that accumulate as a result of these experiences.
Specialists emphasize that providing clear sexual knowledge to children can act as a safety valve against these experiences. By teaching children how to recognize dangerous situations and respond appropriately, we help them build strong defenses against assaults. Children should have an awareness of the concept of boundaries and how to say “no” in situations that make them uncomfortable, enhancing their confidence and ability to protect themselves.
Therefore, it is important to include sexual knowledge in curricula not just as a separate subject, but as an essential part of general education. This requires educational institutions and parents to work together to provide a safe and healthy learning environment that encourages open dialogue and reduces the stigma associated with discussing sex and harassment. The community as a whole must play a role in educating children to protect them and ensure their safety.
How to Address Masturbation in Children
Masturbation is a sensitive topic that may raise concerns among parents, but it is important to approach it in an open and objective manner. Initially, parents should understand that this practice can be natural at certain stages of a child’s life, especially during puberty. However, knowledge about this subject should be presented appropriately for the child’s age, so they understand that this practice is not wrong, but it should be done in privacy and should not affect their daily lives.
It is important for parents to talk to their children about their bodies and how to respect them, as well as about the feelings associated with this practice. This can help reduce feelings of guilt or shame that children may experience. When discussing masturbation, the focus should be on clarifying the concept of privacy and the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, rather than imposing strict restrictions or blaming the children.
An open dialogue approach can be used to discuss children’s feelings and thoughts on the subject, providing them with a safe environment to express themselves. Ultimately, by understanding their children’s needs and providing mature information, parents can contribute to the development of healthy relationships with their bodies and emotions, which will help them build greater self-confidence and their ability to handle these situations in the future.
Understanding Masturbation in Children
Addressing
The discussion revolves around the issue of masturbation and how it is viewed by children and adolescents. It is commonly believed that the practice of masturbation is primarily associated with teenagers, yet the reality is that young children can engage in this behavior as well. Experts talk about how children respond to the physical pleasure they feel when they discover their bodies. It is important to understand that this experience is not always linked to the sexual arousal that adults may feel, but rather is part of self-discovery. Therefore, parents should approach this topic sensitively and without feelings of shame or fear, as this could negatively impact the child’s psyche.
It is recommended to guide children carefully and without embarrassment, as practicing masturbation can be considered a natural response to exploring the body. Parents should encourage their children to engage in other activities to avoid excessive behaviors. For example, providing games and interactive activities can help broaden children’s interests away from this habit. If there is concern about excessive masturbation, parents should ensure that there are no underlying health or psychological reasons for this behavior, such as academic or social pressure.
Ultimately, parents should contribute to creating a safe environment for children that fosters their understanding of themselves and their bodies in a healthy manner. It is essential for parents to make their children feel secure when discussing any topic, including this sensitive subject, so they can express their feelings and concerns in the future.
The Relationship Between Masturbation and Puberty
The discussion addresses how masturbation can affect future relationships, especially after puberty. Experts talk about the concern that excessive masturbation during adolescence can lead to problems in marital relationships in the future. A person addicted to masturbation may become less capable of enjoying natural intimate relationships, which negatively affects partnership and physical connection with a partner. This is where parents play a role in educating their children about the importance of communication and balanced relationships.
The discussion also covers how parents should respond upon discovering that their children are masturbating. Parents are advised to handle this matter objectively and to avoid harsh reactions or punishments. Instead, they should focus on providing support and necessary information to their children about this topic. The realization that this practice may be a way to cope with psychological or social pressures presents another challenge. Therefore, parents should guide their children towards healthy coping methods for dealing with stress, such as exercising or engaging in creative activities.
If a child is left alone to face these behaviors without guidance, it may exacerbate the addiction to this habit, impacting their mental and emotional health. Thus, it is crucial for parents to be able to discuss this topic openly and frankly, making it easier for children to talk about their feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism.
Challenges Related to Sexual Orientation
The discussion addresses the challenges faced by parents when their children begin to explore their sexual orientations. Experts point out that many children show signs of different sexual orientations at an early age, and it can be difficult for parents to understand and navigate this. It is important for parents to be flexible and open in their discussions about sexual orientation and to avoid preconceived notions or bullying.
The fundamental principles related to acceptance and effective communication are among the key factors that contribute to building a safe environment for children. Parents are encouraged to listen to their children’s feelings and understand their needs, even if they conflict with traditional values. The lack of emotional support can increase feelings of rejection or anxiety in children, which may negatively impact their overall mental health.
In addition to handling the topic of masturbation and sexual orientation, parents should be aware of the broader implications of their children’s emotional and mental well-being.
That being said, the media is considered an influential part in shaping children’s concepts about sexual orientation. Therefore, parents should be aware of the media content their children consume and discuss it with them. Children may have questions and doubts about what they see in the media, and they should feel comfortable discussing these matters with their parents. Building trust and mutual respect between parents and children is key to helping them explore their sexual identity in a healthy and safe manner.
Psycho-emotional Support and Effective Communication
One of the main points discussed is the importance of psycho-emotional support and effective communication between parents and children. Experts clarify that parents should be emotionally available to their children, which means investing in building a strong relationship that supports open communication and honest dialogue. Active listening is an essential part of this support, as families need to create a safe space that encourages children to express their feelings and concerns.
The discussion emphasizes the necessity for parents to be role models through honest and direct communication. When children feel that their parents can share their feelings and challenges, it encourages them to do the same. For instance, if a parent feels tired or stressed, they should talk about it appropriately with the children, teaching them how to deal with their own emotions.
When a mistake occurs, it should be viewed as a learning opportunity rather than a chance for punishment. Parents should ask themselves why the mistake happened and how they can overcome it together. This approach enhances family relationships and helps build problem-solving skills in children. It is essential for children to know that failure is a part of life, and how they learn from mistakes determines their future success.
Modern Parenting and the Importance of Continuous Learning
The importance of continuous learning in modern parenting is emphasized as a way to improve the relationship between parents and children. Experts note that parents should not rely solely on the information they have from their personal experiences, but should seek out new and reliable sources to enhance their knowledge about parenting and family relationships. Reading and training courses can equip parents with the necessary tools to handle the various challenges they may face.
The discussion highlights the importance of parenting being flexible and adaptable to social and cultural changes. In a rapidly changing world, it is important for parents to be ready to modify their strategies based on what is best for their children. Parents should be encouraged to experiment and learn from trial and error, using everything they learn to provide the best environment for their children’s development.
Emotional support and effective communication are foundational elements that enhance parents’ success in raising their children. The discussion shows how these practices can lead to the development of healthy and sustainable relationships, contributing to the psychological and emotional well-being of children. Thus, parents who invest in their personal learning and skill development directly contribute to improving their children’s lives.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
Leave a Reply