Sexuality is a central aspect of being human, driving us to look for love, intimacy and happiness. Sexuality is therefore not just sexual acts like many believe – it is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, observations, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relations.
WHO defines sexuality as “a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.”
Healthy sexuality in children is recognized by being pleasurable, mutual, divertible and age appropriate. The exploration occurs only between children who wish to participate, and do not feel scared or forced to. The time and place of the exploration is appropriate, without any of the participants feeling exposed. A healthy sexual development often leads to a stellar sexual health.
The development of sexuality occurs parallel to – and is also a part of – the child’s entire development. Sexuality is equally as important as other developments, whether it be motor functions, language or cognition.
«Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.»
Children learn by – among other things – playing, curious exploration and asking questions. Playing off of peers gives them the opportunity to explore themselves as well. Children also learn though observation and imitation of others, both young and old.
Children are dependent on other humans to learn. This also applies to sexuality. Through contact with other people, children learn about intimacy and trust. They form a self-image, and an understanding of how others see them. They learn about their own and others’ boundaries and preferences, what is expected of them and what is considered allowed, in addition to what’s thought of as taboo in their family and social network.
Se miniforedrag om sunn seksuell utvikling og helse, presentert av psykolog phd Oddfrid Skorpe Tennfjord, ved RVTS Midt.
Du finner flere miniforedrag i e-læringsprogrammet.
Adults’ responsibility is what we can call respectfully observing or fascilitating, i.e. create an environment which encourages healthy sexual development. In most cases this translates to the adult making sure all the children perceive the playing the same way, meaning all participants enjoy themselves. If this is not the case, the playing should be corrected or stopped.
It is important that every child feels cared for, and if reprimanded receives help in understanding what went wrong, and how they can do things differently next time. This kind of response could prevent skewed sexual development and promote a healthy sexuality. The same principles also apply to teens and adults.
A website with resources about healthy sexual development and how to deal with problematic and harmful sexual behaviour.
The website is developed by the Regional center on violence, traumatic stress and suicide prevention (RVTS).
Project manager: Oddfrid Skorpe Tennfjord, psychologist phd, RVTS Midt
Managing editor: Steinar Hvål, psychologist, RVTS Vest
Webmaster: Sylvia Haukanes, consultant, RVTS Vest
Illustrations: Jens A. Larsen Aas
Illustrations: Pixabay
RVTS NORD
Fiolvegen 15
9016 Tromsø
77 75 43 80
rvtsnord@unn.no
RVTS MIDT
Prinsens gate 1a
7013 Trondheim
72 82 20 05
rvts@stolav.no
RVTS VEST
Ulriksdal 2
5009 Bergen
55 97 66 95
rvts@helse-bergen.no
RVTS ØST
Gullhaugveien 1-3
0484 Oslo
22 58 60 00
post@rvtsost.no
RVTS SØR
Universitetsveien 19
4630 Kristiansand
22 58 60 00
post@rvtssor.no
© 2022 | RVTS | By using this website, you are agreeing to the use of cookies, Google Analytics.
