We all aim for honesty in conversation within our homes, don’t we? Given some subjects are more delicate than others, especially those touching on aspects of sexuality, it becomes only natural that there's disagreement around what's age-appropriate and what's not.

Undoubtedly, a recent release has opened up a can of worms in the arena of kids' sex education, and it appears there is a clear divide among Australia's community of parents.

The presence of a particular item in the ‘Children's Books’ section has sparked controversy, with a mixture of outcry and support.

Co-authored by ABC personality Yumi Stynes and adolescent advice columnist, Dr Melissa Kang, Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out, has been causing a stir.

Welcome to Sex by Yumi Kang is an insightful and comprehensive guide that aims to educate and empower readers about all aspects of sex and sexuality. Source: Hardie Grant

This book, featuring explicit illustrations and addressing a wide range of sexual themes targeted at children aged eight and above, ventures into taboo territory.

The book explores sensitive topics such as masturbation, LGBTQI concerns, gender curiosity, various sexual positions, and even the act of 'scissoring'.

Its open sale at BIG W drew a flux of agitation, with some parents arguing that it was crossing a red line.

'How can anyone think they are not coming after the children after seeing books like this for sale openly in BIG W?' mused conservative podcaster Chris Primod.

Another livid social media user asked: 'Really? We need to teach 11-year-olds different sex positions? This book is a big no from me.'

Sex education should be tailored to the child's developmental stage, ensuring that the information provided is suitable for their age and level of understanding. Source: theprimod/Instagram

Another distressed parent echoed the sentiment and said: 'I have sent a protest letter to BIG W about the porn book Welcome to Sex. It is extremely graphic. We should all make the effort to protest this stuff to children.'

Yet not everyone was against the book's contents. Some stoutly defended the authors, referring to the backlash as a 'moral panic'.

'Right-wing cookers/religious nuts are trying to censor these books. Usual anti-queer, anti-feminist reasons,' said another.

A parent praised the book: 'Can't wait to purchase this. Your period book took away the fear for my 10-year-old daughter (and me!) so much. Forever grateful.'

Parents or guardians should be actively involved in their child's sex education. They should be able to review and provide consent for the content being taught, as they play a vital role in shaping their child's values and beliefs. Source: theprimod/Instagram

In an interview with Mamamia just before the book's launch, Stynes voiced her hope that the publication would be a valuable tool for parents to initiate candid discussions around sex with their children.

'I think a lot of parents have inherited shame from their own parents and from our culture and society at large,' Stynes pointed out. 'I think it's partly shame about icky body fluids, but parents also worry about saying the wrong thing.'

She believes that the book will serve as a 'trusted resource', helping parents approach the subject with confidence rather than fear of misinformation or perpetuating sexist stereotypes.

When it comes to having 'the talk', Stynes referenced the vast difference in maturity levels among 12-year-olds, with some being quite sophisticated and others still very childlike.

Topics should be introduced gradually, with an emphasis on building a foundation of basic knowledge before delving into more complex subjects. Source: theprimod/Instagram

She also encouraged parents to use news stories or TV programmes as starting points for routine family conversations about sex.

'Once they (children) know that you're safe to talk to about sex with, and you're not going to flip out, then they can return to the conversations again, and they will absolutely love having a space to ask you those questions,' she advised.

Key Takeaways

• A controversial sex education book has sparked outrage among parents for being too graphic.
• The book, co-authored by ABC personality Yumi Stynes and Dr Melissa Kang, is aimed at children aged eight and above, and covers a wide range of sexual topics.
• Many social media users have openly criticised the book, while others have come to the defence of the authors, calling the backlash a 'moral panic'.
• Stynes communicated that the book is intended to be a 'trusted resource' for parents aiding them in having open, informed discussions about sex with their children.

The inclusion of explicit books in the children's section of stores such as BIG W is a matter of concern for many parents and grandparents alike.

As we navigate a changing world, it becomes more important than ever to stay vigilant about the content available to our children and grandchildren, yet at the same time, keep an open mind to changing values and approaches to education.

So, members, how do you feel about this issue? Should books such as these have a place on our store shelves?

 

[Jenelle Maree]

Hello Everyone. Wide range of views out there. I'm 64 years young , please let children be children. You are a grown up for a long time.I believe teenagers from age 12 need to understand their bodies, learn how babies are made. I was 11 turning 12 in the May, in 1st form highschool. I remember the PE change room. the girls that developed breasts would flash ther bra. I did'nt have a bra my breast had'nt started. In second form I started to wear a trainee bra. I liked them, they were colourful & pull on bra. easy. I would hear girls bragging about menstrating. I just thought yuck. By the time i was in third form In the october I became a women, with the beginning of my period. My Mum was supportive. She was so happy for me. My Mum was trying to be positive. The idea of a boy & what he could do to me frightened the life out of me. Boys are dangerous, i don't want to get pregnant. My natural fear of boys was my contraception. There are girls who were more ready then me, to have sex with a boy. They were teenagers they want to learn. I can remember being 7years, & i was playing with a girl & a boy, we all decided to show our Private parts. I saw the boy , he had a sausage. girl kooked like me folded flaps of thick skin. 2 minutes of inquisitive young minds, chidren. I grew up slowly & don't regret anything. I remember girls wanting to look older then they were. At the end of the day we all grow up. I had the most wonderful child years & teenage years. I was growing up slowly. Parents are the best judge of their chidren & teenagers. I was in third form highschool in social studies. I remember ended up with The Little Red of Sex, on my lap opened at a page, I was horrified , i read erect penis. After that I passed the book on, relieved it was no longer on my lap. This harmless book was not meant to be in the school. It was not allowed. I must get a copy of that red book, I want to read what came out in the 70's. Thanks & bye everyone. Be kind to yourself.

 

[KSS]

If parents get this book for their kids they should make sure to put them on the pill. It will stir up curiosity for at least 50% of them. Who will the parents blame when they’re 13 y.o. ends up with some disease? There is a lot going around.

Sorry, but curiosity is not curtailed by not giving information either by a book or heaven forbid a real conversation with parents. Young people have been curious since Adam and Eve in the Garden Of Eden and well before books. Think back to your own teenage years. Not having information did not stop you from wondering (or feelings for that matter) did it? And if honesty is part of the equation it was more likely fear that stopped experimentation. I for one could never understand what could possibly happen after midnight (or whatever curfew was imposed) that could not happen before!

As for ending up with 'a disease', are you aware that the fastest growing age group with STIs is actually the over 50s!? All that sex happening in retirement homes after one partner dies or people divorce. With no fear of pregnancy, condoms have fallen out of favour!

I am all for protecting children and allowing them to be children for as long as possible. I also believe in age-appropriate information given at any age - if they are old enough to ask the question they are old enough for the (age-appropriate) answer. However, I disagree with Yumi Steins about this book being appropriate for 10 year olds. However, given that young teens are already engaging in sexual activity, I think it is worse to deny information because parents are too embarrassed to discuss it.

And one last thing to consider. Every single child over the age of about 5 has a computer in their pocket and they can and do search for information on the internet. Isn't it better they have this book or something similar that stumbling across hardcore porn and thinking that is "normal"?

 

[Littleboy8]

Too many words: I just wouldn't touch Yumi Stynes!

Who is yumi Stynes never heard of her or the other chick

 

[Catherines]

congrats on your longtime marriage, I am the same

Thank you, and the same to you.

 

[Catherines]

Ler kids be kids for as long as possible please! Then, introduce them to the basics, when they're approaching the right sexual age and let them explore. The advanced techniques can be learned after that, if they're interested. Many are not.

Stop trying to make them older than their years and introducing them to adult concepts before their time.

Like I said, let kids be kids!!!

These books seem to satisfy the author's needs rather than the kids.

I’m on your page.

 

[Catherines]

So besides the content of this book aiming to control and direct our children that we have so carefully nurtured, loved and protected since birth are we supposed to wash our hands of them once they turn 8 so they 'fit in' to the sexual standards these authors believe we should all believe?
Do they have children?
Who is reaping the benefits of exploiting our children from the sales of these books we are encouraged to buy...?
On the one hand we are looking to increase the age to retirement and on the other lowering the legal age of participating in sexual acts. How on earth does this prevent sexual abuse...paedophiles and rapists will have free rein with children of a much younger age without attracting consequences.
We need to step up and protect all children from such exploitation and being targeted/coerced by either friend or foe.
Defend your child do not let them lose their rights and their humanity by turning them into objects or playthings for someone else.
Protect their innocence for the short time they have it and teach them how to think about and respect their bodies to make informed decisions for themselves.
You're 8 now so it's ok just does not cut it!
There is a difference between having sex and making love that our children need to know about, to understand and to choose to protect themselves.
Are we really willing to sit back knowing our child is 'having it off' with their friend in the next room? No wonder there is such confusion in this world...society has such a lot to answer for...

One of your sentences hit the nail on the head - “ There is a difference between having sex and making love that our children need to know about, to understand and to choose to protect themselves. “ love should be the ultimate price one is prepared to pay to the right person for undying love to one another. And sex will come with that love with both parties understanding refusal at any particular time. That’s my view.

 

[Gsr]

My grand-daughters boyfriends mother is a police officer, my grand-daughters boyfriend is the same age as her. His parents go along the same reasoning with my own daughter. Like I said this is happening everywhere in ALL the schools.

One would hope that there are not too many parents out there that are ok with their 12 year old children having sex. Besides being a criminal offence it is robbing these young people of their childhood, making them grow up too soon. There are enough other pressures on kids without the added pressure of having an active sex life with all the complications this can involve, such as unwanted pregnancy, STDs. Yes, kids grow up faster now than what we did but it is to be hoped they would be encouraged to delay forming any sexual relationships until they are adults. Our 18 year old grandson has just started a sexual relationship with his 18 year old girlfriend, we think this is too young but as they are adults they make their own choices now. One of his mates and his girlfriend became parents at 17, what sort of life are they and the child going to have?

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

The look says it all.

 

[The Deedz]

We all aim for honesty in conversation within our homes, don’t we? Given some subjects are more delicate than others, especially those touching on aspects of sexuality, it becomes only natural that there's disagreement around what's age-appropriate and what's not.

Undoubtedly, a recent release has opened up a can of worms in the arena of kids' sex education, and it appears there is a clear divide among Australia's community of parents.

The presence of a particular item in the ‘Children's Books’ section has sparked controversy, with a mixture of outcry and support.

Co-authored by ABC personality Yumi Stynes and adolescent advice columnist, Dr Melissa Kang, Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out, has been causing a stir.

View attachment 25400

Welcome to Sex by Yumi Kang is an insightful and comprehensive guide that aims to educate and empower readers about all aspects of sex and sexuality. Source: Hardie Grant

This book, featuring explicit illustrations and addressing a wide range of sexual themes targeted at children aged eight and above, ventures into taboo territory.

The book explores sensitive topics such as masturbation, LGBTQI concerns, gender curiosity, various sexual positions, and even the act of 'scissoring'.

Its open sale at BIG W drew a flux of agitation, with some parents arguing that it was crossing a red line.

'How can anyone think they are not coming after the children after seeing books like this for sale openly in BIG W?' mused conservative podcaster Chris Primod.

Another livid social media user asked: 'Really? We need to teach 11-year-olds different sex positions? This book is a big no from me.'

View attachment 25401

Sex education should be tailored to the child's developmental stage, ensuring that the information provided is suitable for their age and level of understanding. Source: theprimod/Instagram

Another distressed parent echoed the sentiment and said: 'I have sent a protest letter to BIG W about the porn book Welcome to Sex. It is extremely graphic. We should all make the effort to protest this stuff to children.'

Yet not everyone was against the book's contents. Some stoutly defended the authors, referring to the backlash as a 'moral panic'.

'Right-wing cookers/religious nuts are trying to censor these books. Usual anti-queer, anti-feminist reasons,' said another.

A parent praised the book: 'Can't wait to purchase this. Your period book took away the fear for my 10-year-old daughter (and me!) so much. Forever grateful.'

View attachment 25402

Parents or guardians should be actively involved in their child's sex education. They should be able to review and provide consent for the content being taught, as they play a vital role in shaping their child's values and beliefs. Source: theprimod/Instagram

In an interview with Mamamia just before the book's launch, Stynes voiced her hope that the publication would be a valuable tool for parents to initiate candid discussions around sex with their children.

'I think a lot of parents have inherited shame from their own parents and from our culture and society at large,' Stynes pointed out. 'I think it's partly shame about icky body fluids, but parents also worry about saying the wrong thing.'

She believes that the book will serve as a 'trusted resource', helping parents approach the subject with confidence rather than fear of misinformation or perpetuating sexist stereotypes.

When it comes to having 'the talk', Stynes referenced the vast difference in maturity levels among 12-year-olds, with some being quite sophisticated and others still very childlike.

View attachment 25403

Topics should be introduced gradually, with an emphasis on building a foundation of basic knowledge before delving into more complex subjects. Source: theprimod/Instagram

She also encouraged parents to use news stories or TV programmes as starting points for routine family conversations about sex.

'Once they (children) know that you're safe to talk to about sex with, and you're not going to flip out, then they can return to the conversations again, and they will absolutely love having a space to ask you those questions,' she advised.

Key Takeaways

• A controversial sex education book has sparked outrage among parents for being too graphic.
• The book, co-authored by ABC personality Yumi Stynes and Dr Melissa Kang, is aimed at children aged eight and above, and covers a wide range of sexual topics.
• Many social media users have openly criticised the book, while others have come to the defence of the authors, calling the backlash a 'moral panic'.
• Stynes communicated that the book is intended to be a 'trusted resource' for parents aiding them in having open, informed discussions about sex with their children.

The inclusion of explicit books in the children's section of stores such as BIG W is a matter of concern for many parents and grandparents alike.

As we navigate a changing world, it becomes more important than ever to stay vigilant about the content available to our children and grandchildren, yet at the same time, keep an open mind to changing values and approaches to education.

So, members, how do you feel about this issue? Should books such as these have a place on our store shelves?

We have governments sticking their unwanted noses in our lives constantly. Now we have big business joining in. It has to stop before they take control over everything And we become similar to China.
Governemnts we can vote out. Big business we can stop shopping their or using their services and products. That’s how we deal with them.
i seen a comment stating. No big deal. I don’t see kids lining up to see or buy the book. That’s not the point. The point is they are trying to get to the kids everywhere. Kids see nude men parading in June. Men dressed as woman and showcasing inappropriately at schools, libraries and other government institution.
The point is. They are coming for our kids and it has to stop. They have taken little steps until now. Now they are announcing it and we allowed it to get this far. It has to stop. I watched a parade of the alphabet soup mob yelling. We’re here. We’re queer and we’re coming for your kids.
They don’t even try to hide this evil anymore. For goodness sakes. Let kids be kids and let the parents do their jobs. God bless and help us all in this war for our kids..

 

[Leenie]

The place for this book is in the adult section,
Or better still in the rubbish bin where it belongs . Parents need to step up and protect their kids .