Outrage escalates! Why are BIG W and Target stocking this controversial sex education book?
- Replies 49
Sex education in Australia: it's always been a delicate subject matter, and one surrounded by controversy. The debates, disagreements, and discords arising from how we should educate young children about such complex and intricate matters have not faded away.
Instead, it has birthed issues like the recent one involving a book titled Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out that found itself under widespread scrutiny in BIG W and Target stores recently.
The book, jointly penned by Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes, was intended to serve as an inclusive, straightforward guide to sex education for kids as young as eight.
The controversy surrounding the book had tangible implications—BIG W was forced to make the book exclusively available online after store staff bore the brunt of the customers' ire. Some have also threatened to boycott the department stores until the book is removed from sale.
Chris 'Primod' Issa, a well-known podcast host, emerged as one of the prominent figures fueling public outrage. He strongly criticised the book, claiming that it was exposing young children to 'sexually explicit' and 'highly inappropriate' content, essentially 'grooming' them.
Issa openly expressed his concerns in a widely-shared video, using it as a platform to bring forth a discussion that had been simmering beneath the surface.
Despite facing a barrage of criticism, BIG W made efforts to mitigate the damage caused and refrained from completely removing the book from their catalogue.
In a statement, their spokesperson clarified, 'BIG W will continue to sell the book as part of our Parenting range.'
The book, which they defended as 'educational, age-appropriate and inclusive', will be sold exclusively online starting July 18th.
It remains unclear if Target will follow suit.
Rachael Wong, Chief Executive of Women's Forum Australia, was one of the vocal critics who expressed strong concerns about the book. She found its explicit depiction of sex and its potential availability to young children highly objectionable.
She was also disturbed by the authors' seemingly casual attitude towards the legal age of consent.
Ms Wong accused the authors of mentioning the legal age merely as a way to avoid 'getting into trouble', as she believed that the book essentially served as a 'sex manual' for children.
'It's just so, so disturbing. My friend's son, who is 11 years old, thinks that kissing is gross, and most children his age feel similarly,' she added.
'They have this natural awkwardness around sexual things, a natural aversion, which is a protective mechanism and material like this is an attempt to destroy that.'
Despite receiving negative feedback, numerous parentson social media have expressed their enthusiasm for the book and their intention to introduce it to their children.
Even educators have praised the book's 'talk-early, talk-often' approach to sex education, which starkly contrasts its critics' opinions.
Many also endorsed the authors' efforts to de-stigmatise conversations around sexuality and appreciated the attempt to cultivate an open dialogue. So while this book might not replace the 'birds and bees talk', it certainly gives parents another option.
We value your opinions on this matter, members. Do you believe this book goes too far in discussing adult topics with young children, or is it simply reflecting a more accepting approach towards sex and relationships? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!
Instead, it has birthed issues like the recent one involving a book titled Welcome to Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out that found itself under widespread scrutiny in BIG W and Target stores recently.
The book, jointly penned by Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes, was intended to serve as an inclusive, straightforward guide to sex education for kids as young as eight.
The controversy surrounding the book had tangible implications—BIG W was forced to make the book exclusively available online after store staff bore the brunt of the customers' ire. Some have also threatened to boycott the department stores until the book is removed from sale.
A controversial sex education book has sparked outrage among parents for being too graphic. Credit: BIG W, Instagram/theprimod.
Chris 'Primod' Issa, a well-known podcast host, emerged as one of the prominent figures fueling public outrage. He strongly criticised the book, claiming that it was exposing young children to 'sexually explicit' and 'highly inappropriate' content, essentially 'grooming' them.
Issa openly expressed his concerns in a widely-shared video, using it as a platform to bring forth a discussion that had been simmering beneath the surface.
Despite facing a barrage of criticism, BIG W made efforts to mitigate the damage caused and refrained from completely removing the book from their catalogue.
In a statement, their spokesperson clarified, 'BIG W will continue to sell the book as part of our Parenting range.'
The book, which they defended as 'educational, age-appropriate and inclusive', will be sold exclusively online starting July 18th.
It remains unclear if Target will follow suit.
Rachael Wong, Chief Executive of Women's Forum Australia, was one of the vocal critics who expressed strong concerns about the book. She found its explicit depiction of sex and its potential availability to young children highly objectionable.
She was also disturbed by the authors' seemingly casual attitude towards the legal age of consent.
Ms Wong accused the authors of mentioning the legal age merely as a way to avoid 'getting into trouble', as she believed that the book essentially served as a 'sex manual' for children.
'It's just so, so disturbing. My friend's son, who is 11 years old, thinks that kissing is gross, and most children his age feel similarly,' she added.
'They have this natural awkwardness around sexual things, a natural aversion, which is a protective mechanism and material like this is an attempt to destroy that.'
Despite receiving negative feedback, numerous parentson social media have expressed their enthusiasm for the book and their intention to introduce it to their children.
Even educators have praised the book's 'talk-early, talk-often' approach to sex education, which starkly contrasts its critics' opinions.
Many also endorsed the authors' efforts to de-stigmatise conversations around sexuality and appreciated the attempt to cultivate an open dialogue. So while this book might not replace the 'birds and bees talk', it certainly gives parents another option.
We value your opinions on this matter, members. Do you believe this book goes too far in discussing adult topics with young children, or is it simply reflecting a more accepting approach towards sex and relationships? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!
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