genuinely so fucking tired of people leveraging the "groomer" argument against people who support sex ed because scientific literature over decades shows that comprehensive sex education starting around kindergarten actually prevents children from being sexually abused and groomed because it teaches children the correct words for their body parts and also teaches them concepts of privacy, personal space, bodily autonomy, the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching, and the fact that sex is something that only adults do. children with this knowledge are not only better equipped to identify abuse and predatory behavior and communicate that its happening to a trusted adult, but also prevent it from happening in the first place by recognizing when something is happening that shouldn't.
sex education does not sexualize children, it prevents children from being sexualized. anyone who is against early foundational sex education and claims they are doing it to protect children is a fucking liar.
@blueblazeselco i actually spoke in broad strokes so as to make the post easy to read and digest. i also literally linked a study that was a review by two doctors (dr. lisa lieberman, phd in health behavior and health education with a specialization in adolescent health, and dr. eva goldfarb, phd in human sexuality education) of 30 years of published scientific literature on school-based sex education programs, and thus didn't feel the need to go into excruciating detail, because i assumed people would take the initiative and at least read the abstract that's less than 300 words, or at the very bare minimum, the paragraph very clearly labeled "results" that mentions prevention of child sexual abuse as a positive outcome of comprehensive sex education, alongside partner violence prevention, media literacy, social/emotional learning, appreciation of diversity, and healthy relationship development. the data is right there you pompous fucking dickbag.
but here are a couple of key points, since you couldn't be assed to even skim it:
- This review found strong evidence for the effectiveness of child sex abuse prevention efforts in elementary school. [...] They teach about body ownership and children's right to control their bodies and about communication and self-protection. A strong meta-analysis of 27 preschool through Grade 5 programs and a systematic review of 24 K-5 programs demonstrate significant effects on a wide range of outcomes, including behaviors in simulated at-risk situations. Another large systematic review concluded that, in general, parental involvement, opportunities for practice, repeated exposure, and sensitivity to developmental level were key characteristics of effective child sex abuse programs. [...] Studies in the U.S. and Canada reported positive effects on sense of control and safety felt by children, including, in one, more positive feelings about their genitals (e.g., it's okay to touch one's own private parts). (Sources: x x x) (age groups: 3-12 years, 2nd & 5th grade, kindergation-5th grade)
- A strong randomized study in 21 urban U.S. schools found gains were maintained at 1 year, with no increase in anxiety, concluding that it is safe to discuss sensitive subjects with young children, and demonstrating the value of early education. (x) (age group: 3rd & 4th graders)
but if you don't want to take my word for it, or the word of two award-winning doctors and authors, then take the word of the sexuality information and education council of the united states, or the united nations (yes, that united nations) education, scientific, and cultural organization, who both have published guidelines for comprehensive sexuality education and both recommend starting this education in kindergarten and maintaining it through 12th grade for a range of positive outcomes including but not limited to what i have previously mentioned. as a fun side note one of the doctors who authored the review i linked in the original post (the review you didn't read) is credited as a member of the taskforce that contributed to SIECUS' guidelines.
in conclusion: kiss my ass.