Cyberwellness:Sexual health
From Cyberwellness
Introduction
Promoting Cyberwellness
Commerce and Information
Mind, Body and Spirit
Sharing Perspectives
Social Networking
[edit] Sexual health
Topics such as sexual health are part of the school curriculum, and you as a parent or carer can access information about sexual health curriculum and the very important role that you play in the home school partnership approach to this issue.
The purpose of sex education is to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexuality and the processes of human reproduction within the context of relationships based on love and respect. It should develop understanding and attitudes which will help pupils to form relationships in a responsible and healthy manner. It is important that sex education programmes should be well matched to pupils' needs and levels of maturity. Teachers employ great care and sensitivity to the age and understanding of the pupils. You can find a guide for parents and carers on this issue.
However, pornography is accessible on the Internet and there is both legal and illegal pornography available ranging from easily accessible soft core pictures, violent non-consensual depictions, to material of a fetishistic nature. In addition, a small proportion of young people have the opportunity to produce material of an erotic or pornographic nature through the use of their web cameras and others may be encouraged to send pictures to a person with whom they are chatting.
From a Cyber Wellness perspective it is important to consider ways in which to address these issues with children and young people so that if they do encounter such material you will have already clarified what actions should be taken and considered ways in which you can discuss the matter after the event. Encountering material of this nature may prompt a variety of reactions which may be related to the age of the child - the material may come as a shock or surprise to some children and young people whilst others may actively seek out this material or wish to produce this type of content and begin to see such activities as normal.
