Development of Sexual Behavior

Stages of Development: Childhood

“Sexual Response” 2

“Sex education” Many parents today need help in dealing with their children’s sexual development. In many countries, governmental as well as private institutions and organizations provide educational materials for both adults and children. For the English- speaking world, the American web site of SIECUS is a popular resource. (Click on logo)

Parents and attending adults usually ask themselves how they should react to the self-stimulation and mutual physical exploration of their children. Should they try to stop it, ignore it or encourage it? Indeed, is there such a thing as appropriate “sexual” behavior for children?
At this time, there is no universally accepted answer, and even the question itself may scandalize many people. However, in our “globalized” world, different sexual scripts for children are competing with each other, some very strict, others permissive. There is only one principle on which virtually all modern societies agree: Children should be protected from erotic advances by much older children, adolescents and adults. As a rule, “sexual” contact of this sort is not tolerated and, if adults are involved, they are punished as criminals.
In other respects, childhood sexual scripts can vary a great deal from one society and social group to another. In the “liberal” Western middle classes, parents usually adopt a pragmatic attitude: Some childhood “sex play” is allowed as long as it remains private, and clear restrictions are imposed on the interaction with other children and adults. Steering such a middle course may not guarantee an “ideal” sexual development, but in most cases it is a workable compromise still allowing for the child’s continued psychological growth. At any rate, we now know that children in a supportive environment do not experience any “latency period”. They begin and continue their sensual and sexual activities right up to and through puberty.