Sex education for children

Sex education for children means age-appropriate teaching about the body, feelings, privacy, relationships and safety. It is not about talking to children about sex. Its aim is for children to know and look after their bodies, set and respect boundaries, and know exactly whom to ask for help. This guide is written for parents, carers and teachers.

Why start in childhood

Curiosity about the body and where babies come from appears early, because the child is a sexual being from birth. The International Technical Guidance from UNESCO and other UN agencies (2018) suggests starting formal teaching at around age 5, with a spiral curriculum: the same topics return each year in more depth. WHO stresses that, with younger children, teaching about sexuality does not mean teaching about sex.

Protection is another strong reason. According to WHO, almost 1 in 5 girls worldwide (18%) have experienced child sexual abuse. Being able to name the body and recognise what is not right makes it easier for a child to tell someone.

What to learn at each stage

The WHO Standards for Europe (2010) and the UNESCO guidance suggest the following outline:

• Ages 0 to 3: affection, closeness and care routines. The correct names for all body parts. A first sense that their body belongs to them.
• Ages 4 to 6: differences between bodies, where babies come from (kept simple: they grow inside the womb), which parts are private, different kinds of families, and friendship.
• Ages 6 to 9: feelings, respect and diversity. The difference between surprises and secrets that feel bad. First rules for staying safe online.
• Ages 9 to 12: puberty before it starts (periods, first ejaculations, changes in body and mood), hygiene, body image, equality and responsible use of screens and social media.

How to answer their questions

• Ask what they already know: "What do you think?" helps you pitch the answer.
• Keep it short and true: at age 4, "babies grow in the womb, inside the mother's tummy" is usually enough.
• Use the real names: vulva, penis, testicles, breasts, anus. No nicknames that convey shame.
• If you don't know, say so: "Good question, let's look it up together" keeps the conversation open.
• Come back to it: there is no need for one big talk; it is many small conversations.

Privacy, boundaries and consent

From an early age, children can learn that their body belongs to them. For ages 5 to 8, UNESCO suggests they learn that everyone has "body rights", which parts of the body are private and how to respond to touch that feels uncomfortable: say "no", move away and tell a trusted adult. At home, you practise this by respecting their "no" to tickling, not making them give kisses, and knocking on the bathroom door once they start asking for privacy.

Preventing abuse: simple rules

• Nobody should touch or look at their private parts, or ask them to touch someone else's, except for hygiene or health care that is explained to them.
• No adult should ask them to keep secrets about their body or secrets that make them feel bad.
• If something feels wrong, they can say "no", leave and tell someone, even if it is a person they know.
• It is never their fault and they will not be in trouble for telling.
• Choose together at least three trusted adults they can go to.

The UNESCO guidance points out that abuse can come from someone known and trusted, even a family member. That is why these rules describe situations rather than strangers.

Screens and the internet

Children may come across inappropriate images or messages sooner than we expect. Use parental controls, keep devices in shared spaces and, above all, explain that if they see something upsetting or someone asks them for photos or secrets, they should tell you without fear of losing their phone or tablet. Punishment teaches silence.

Families and schools: one shared message

WHO recommends that children hear consistent information from several sources: family, teachers and health professionals. In Spain, the law makes relationships and sexuality education part of the curriculum throughout compulsory schooling. In France, relationships education programmes have been compulsory from nursery school since the 2025-26 school year; in England, relationships education is compulsory in primary schools. Knowing what the school covers helps you reinforce it at home. You can read more in our entries on comprehensive sexuality education and sex education and sexual rights.

When to seek help

Talk to your GP or the school's safeguarding lead if you notice knowledge or behaviour that does not fit the child's age, sudden changes in mood, fear of a person or place, or if they tell you something that worries you. If a child discloses abuse, listen calmly, believe them and do not blame them. In the UK, adults can call the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) and children can call Childline (0800 1111); elsewhere, contact your national child helpline. In an emergency, call 999 or 112. As puberty approaches, carry on with sex education in adolescence.