When I say that children should be told about sex, I do…
“When I say that children should be told about sex, I do not mean that they should be told only the bare physiological facts; they should be told whatever they wish to know. There should be no attempt to represent adults as more virtuous than they are, or sex as occurring only in marriage. There is no excuse for deceiving children. And when, as must happen in conventional families, they find that their parents have lied, they lose confidence in them, and feel justified in lying to them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates honest, comprehensive sexual education for children, rejecting deception and idealized adult portrayals.
In simple terms: Tell kids the truth about sex, not just basics.
Key Takeaway
Provide full, truthful sex education.
Themes
education
honesty
trust
family
sexuality
Mood
concerned
hopeful
serious
Type
instructional
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school curricula
- health workshops
- media programs
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
ethical communication
social trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance honesty with age‑appropriate detail?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of information?
A Different Perspective
Children may feel overwhelmed without age‑appropriate framing.