Module 3 Unit 3

[Angel]

What information is not quite correct in the unit two beyond basics video? What information would you change or add? Was there anything that you didn’t agree with being included in puberty discussions? If so, can you share your thoughts?

[Kim]

There is not a lot of information in this specific video that I believe is incorrect. There is one point however that I believe is either phrased poorly, or not quite correct, and that is the topic of masturbation. While puberty is going to be the start of masturbation for plenty of people, it is also not that uncommon for masturbation to start before puberty as well. As for the second part of this question, I don’t believe any of the topics that have been brought up so far shouldn’t be included, I think everything that has been touched on is important for people to understand the changes that can happen to their bodies and their minds as they grow. While not strictly to do with puberty, I do think that the topic of consent should be discussed more even with younger children. It doesn’t have to go quite as in depth as it might for an older audience, but I do think bodily autonomy is something that’s important for people to learn as early on as possible.

[Angel]

HI Kim! YES YES YES!!! even a fetus can masturbate (and there are plenty of studies, images and whatnot attesting to this). Research does indicate, however, that the drive to masturbate is more prolific during puberty, and in early adulthood, than any other time; and that the average age of onset (keep in mind most of the research is based on white, heterosexual populations, or at least assumed hetero), is 13.
As a parent (and now grandparent) and someone who has provided childcare for others, I can personally attest that young children also touch themselves for pleasure, and that it seems to be a very subjective thing, that might have more to do with how they think than their age or development.

I also love your thoughts about consent. I would like to see this be an ongoing conversation at every level-for doctors on how to respect the bodily autonomy of their clients at all ages, for parents on respecting and teaching boundaries, for teachers on how to have classroom discussions.. Every age, every demographic!

[Author]

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