Talking to your children about sex can feel uncomfortable, but it’s an essential part of helping them understand their bodies, relationships, and personal health. In Australia, sex education is taught in schools, but parents still play a key role in creating an open, safe space for these important conversations. Here are some expert tips to help guide parents through the process, as shared on SBS Online.

Sexual health education is part of the national curriculum in Australian schools, from preschool to year 12. The curriculum follows evidence-based guidelines to ensure students learn about sexual development in a way that’s age-appropriate and inclusive of all students. Lessons build on one another as children mature, starting with basic knowledge about body parts and progressing to more complex topics like relationships, consent, and contraception.

• Start the conversation early

While school provides valuable education on sexual health, Cathy Zemaitis, Director of Curriculum for Secondary Learners at the NSW Department of Education, encourages parents to take the lead at home.

“I actually challenge parents to initiate the conversation,” she says. Waiting for children to bring up the subject can lead them to seek answers elsewhere, possibly from unreliable online sources. Initiating open discussions at home ensures that children feel safe and informed.”

• Keep It simple and honest

When discussing sex education with children, honesty is key. Dr. Magaly Barrera, a family GP in Western Sydney, advises parents to avoid over-complicating things.

“Never lie to them. If you don’t know the answer, look for it … Most of the time, when you give straight answers, the conversation ends there. You don’t need to go into the intimate details of what a sexual encounter is.”

For younger children, Dereck McCormack, Director of the Raising Children Network, suggests starting with simple, age-appropriate questions.

“For children up to the age of eight, they might want to know how girls’ and boys’ bodies are different, (and) where babies come from.”

For older children, questions may become more specific, covering topics like relationships, masturbation, and puberty.

• Use resources to support the conversation

If you’re unsure about how to begin or what to say, many resources are available to help. The Raising Children website offers a wealth of information to guide parents through age-appropriate discussions on sexual health. Dr. Barrera also suggests that parents may want to consult with their child’s GP if they need additional support, especially for more sensitive topics.

"I always ask permission to the child to examine them. If they say ‘no’, it’s no," she says.

• Embrace opportunities for conversation

Sometimes, the best time to talk is when you’re not face-to-face. An example of this is in the car – parents and children don’t have to look at each other and the conversation can happen in a more casual setting. This can help ease the discomfort for both parties.