The Dimensions of Health outline the components of our wellbeing that are associated with quality of life (14). Talk More believes that sexual health is a foundational dimension of health and intersects with each existing dimension to contribute to the overall wellness of each individual. Far too often, sexual health is framed as avoiding a risk, such as a pregnancy or STIs, but healthy sexuality is a critical component of how a person sees themselves, navigates all types of relationships, and makes decisions throughout a lifetime. We encourage families, caregivers, and educators to talk about sexuality in age appropriate ways starting at birth, the same way we would talk about physical, financial, or emotional health to contribute to overall wellbeing of any child. It is essential that we stop measuring sexual wellbeing by the absence of STIs or unplanned pregnancy.

Many people consider “readiness” for these conversations to be when a child or young adult is going through puberty, experiencing romantic feelings, or is sexually active. But sexuality isn’t just about body parts, pregnancy, and STIs. Healthy sexuality is about developing respect for all people and their diverse identities, building self-esteem, establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, including the ability to make informed choices about sexual behaviors.

Conversations about sexuality are interconnected. When we see sexuality as a linked set of ideas that relate directly to other parts of our health, it becomes easier to have proactive and positive conversations at an early age, rather than waiting until a child has already starting forming ideas and values about their sexual health. Talking in positive and proactive ways about each of these related ideas can reduce the stigma and shame commonly associated with bodies and sexuality. In fact, it’s an integrated and essential part of raising and teaching healthy children.

We must actively ensure that conversations and information about sexuality are not always framed as separate or different from other types of learning. In order to shift cultural norms related to shame and secrecy, and ultimately, make us healthier, we must integrate concepts related to sexuality across our roles as parents and educators.

Talk More is committed to work that drives the following key principles:

• Parents and caregivers are primary sexuality educators.

• All children have the right to learn about sexuality.

• Conversations about sexuality aren’t compartmental or separate; they should be an integrated part of our learning and growth experiences.

• Sexuality education includes bias, and in particular, racism and heteronormativity. Conversations and content about healthy sexuality must actively work against each of these.