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?

 

[Leenie]

Time to .let kids be kids. Parents need to push back and stop brainwashing kids . Enough is enough.

 

[Col@45]

Time to .let kids be kids. Parents need to push back and stop brainwashing kids . Enough is enough.

I may be old fashioned but no wonder
Kids see sex these days as "fashionable" and not something that's a wonderful experience between two adults. Let kids be kids and stop pushing them into this sort of education until they're old enough.
There's enough peer pressure already for kids to engage in sex.

 

[Freeby60]

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?

As a nana to grandchildren that are in High School now, I have found out that children as young as 10 are NOW experimenting with sex which is horrifying to me. BUT they are all maturing a lot younger now and doing things that my own children would have never dreamed of at that age, I don't agree with this book (don't get me wrong) but my own grand-daughter whom is only 12 is having sex with her boyfriend and is on the pill. Better to be safe then sorry is my daughters attitude, I agree with her as I have no intentions of being a great grandmother yet. This is happening in all the schools apparently. I shudder to think about it.

 

[Pat T]

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.

 

[lynnh]

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?

Of course they have a place, the critics overlook the valuable content of consent, loving your body and the amazing things it can do and it's not just geared to heteronormative relationship. Teenagers struggling with anything to do with sex would benefit. It's obviously aimed at young teenagers not children. Don't buy it if you think your child is too young- simple. This needs to be the norm so sexual abuse is NOT the norm and this seems to be one of the aims of the book.

 

[suesuewawa]

Brainwashing? Exactly how are parents brainwashing their children? What on earth are you talking about?

Time to .let kids be kids. Parents need to push back and stop brainwashing kids . Enough is enough.

 

[Freeby60]

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.

Kids now a days know about sex at a very young age, which is very worrysome.

 

[suesuewawa]

As a nana to grandchildren that are in High School now, I have found out that children as young as 10 are NOW experimenting with sex which is horrifying to me. BUT they are all maturing a lot younger now and doing things that my own children would have never dreamed of at that age, I don't agree with this book (don't get me wrong) but my own grand-daughter whom is only 12 is having sex with her boyfriend and is on the pill. Better to be safe then sorry is my daughters attitude, I agree with her as I have no intentions of being a great grandmother yet. This is happening in all the schools apparently. I shudder to think about it.

 

[Leenie]

Reply to sussuewawa I never said parents were brainwashing their kids just the opposite , what happened to parents rights it seems they don’t have any these days .

 

[Freeby60]

Brainwashing? Exactly how are parents brainwashing their children? What on earth are you talking about?

What is brainwashing, really get in the real world, kids are growing up so fast an maturing so fast. YES we don't like it but sticking your head in the ground is not helping the situation this is happening whether we like it or not. No offence.

 

[suesuewawa]

As a nana to grandchildren that are in High School now, I have found out that children as young as 10 are NOW experimenting with sex which is horrifying to me. BUT they are all maturing a lot younger now and doing things that my own children would have never dreamed of at that age, I don't agree with this book (don't get me wrong) but my own grand-daughter whom is only 12 is having sex with her boyfriend and is on the pill. Better to be safe then sorry is my daughters attitude, I agree with her as I have no intentions of being a great grandmother yet. This is happening in all the schools apparently. I shudder to think about it.

Your granddaughter, who is 12 and engaging in sex, is a child-rather than being concerned with being a great grandmother, a phone call to the police is urgently needed surely? This is precisely why children need books like this one and a frank discussion with their parents about sex, respecting their bodies.

 

[Leenie]

It’s no wonder the world is going to the dogs when people’s morals are in the gutter what ever happened to decency and respect to others opinions.

 

[Observer]

I cant see how some of these advanced words can benefit children aged 8 and older. Just my opinion but from what I see with the above graphics of pages, they be best suit from age of 12 and up.

 

[Liz49]

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?

Personally I think it is up to parents to teach their kids about sex. But see nothing wrong with this type of education in high school. Leave the little ones alone. They need their childhood. Also would not touch anything Yumi Stynes does, she's already proved she's capable of making herself look like an idiot. Just my opinion

 

[Catherines]

My oh my! What is the world coming to? How can we educate children and explain the consequences if they have sex at such a young age? Even at a very young age once our girls are having regular periods they are also at an age of possible unwanted pregnancy. Better to try and educate them about these unwanted pregnancies and the life long consequences of having to provide for those unplanned children while they are still only children themselves.

This is a very difficult situation for parents of young girls and boys to deal with these days but most of us ‘older folk’ would have been brought up without graphic sex education and probably still did OK.

I DO NOT agree with such a graphic book being sold in Big W. How did the authors get permission to publish, and BigW get permission to sell, such graphic information openly? Is there no authority that controls this?

Parents also need to step up and do more explaining of the DOs & DONTs of sex to their children AT HOME. Our children also get some sex education at school - perhaps that needs to be revised, re-written and taught according to the age of the children in each class. Parents need to stop telling teachers what they can and cannot do and what they can or cannot teach in class according to the age of the children. There is much more responsibility on parents for safe teaching of their children at home (it is not for schools to do). There is too much outside interference and nonsense from parents these days resulting in children disrespecting their teachers and even attacking them. Let our kids be kids, they don’t need to grow up too fast. Unfortunately that is happening because too many parents have to work - most to provide for their families but some because of their ‘need, need, need this or that’ and there is little parental control.

I was 16 when I met my husband (married 56 years) and never had sex before marriage - he is, and has always been, a very respectful man. Kissing was enough to keep us together and we both respect each other always. As another person here has said - let children be children - & I say parents need to be parents and take on this responsibility much more. Sex at such a young age of 12 is illegal and aggravation and ASSAULT of a MINOR. It does not matter if a parent is a Police officer as that makes it an even bigger offence by a third party, in my books.

I’m off my ‘high horse’ now and have put my thoughts out there.

 

[Freeby60]

Your granddaughter, who is 12 and engaging in sex, is a child-rather than being concerned with being a great grandmother, a phone call to the police is urgently needed surely? This is precisely why children need books like this one and a frank discussion with their parents about sex, respecting their bodies.

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.

 

[Observer]

Of course they have a place, the critics overlook the valuable content of consent, loving your body and the amazing things it can do and it's not just geared to heteronormative relationship. Teenagers struggling with anything to do with sex would benefit. It's obviously aimed at young teenagers not children. Don't buy it if you think your child is too young- simple. This needs to be the norm so sexual abuse is NOT the norm and this seems to be one of the aims of the book.

Maybe buy the book and hang on to it until you feel your child is ready to read such material. By buying the book it can be another form of education but released to the child when you think they are ready.

 

[Freeby60]

It’s no wonder the world is going to the dogs when people’s morals are in the gutter what ever happened to decency and respect to others opinions.

We all have opinions, no disrespect to any-ones opinions.

 

[Catherines]

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.

Remember these words AGGRAVATION & ASSAULT OF A MINOR.