From Dr. Denny Coates on LinkedIn:

Somraj, great resources for healthy adult sex! I have a question – What should teens do as they experience their new, powerful sex drive to avoid STDs, unwanted pregnancy, sexual bullying, porn addiction, and the teen hook-up culture and grow healthy attitudes about their sexuality? I know this is a difficult question, but these kids deserve good guidance, you’ve given sexuality a lot of thought, and I’d love your input.

Best, Denny

Wow Denny, that’s quite a question. I appreciate you asking. The simple answer is starts with  appropriate sex education years before when they start to become aware of their bodies and private parts. This needs more than just early grade education from trained teachers. It needs parents understanding how to model intimacy, give positive messages, and reinforce that sex is natural and healthy.

My premise (as yet thoroughly untested) is to create a sex-positive attitude of normalcy around sex before the hormones hit big time. But of course the formative Sex Ed needs to be followed by realistic segments as they mature. We’re talking about a culture change here so gradual will be the watchword.

I’m a revolutionary so personally I’m in favor of young sexual experimentation via the hookup culture. But not until teenagers (and college students afterwards) have the grounding in sexual health and pleasure, acceptance of orientation diversity, and respect for others. Undoubtedly this response is influenced by my current reading of Robert Heinlein’s “Time Enough For Love” where he paints a decidedly pro-body, love, and sex culture ruled by understanding and celebration of desire in all from from an early age.

I’m working on a Holistic Sex Education Manifesto which will give a longer answer. If it’s OK with you I’d like to post your question on my blog and hopefully get more comments.

 

 

Love, Somraj