Here is what goUNMUTE reporter Janet J Mascarenhas finds out from Cecille Rodrigues. Part I “Kids Hit Puberty at 10. Our Conversations Start at 16. Something’s Off.” By Cecille Rodrigues Co Founder of Encore Academy of performing arts and founder of #rostogoa fight for safer roads When children start entering puberty — when …
Here is what goUNMUTE reporter Janet J Mascarenhas finds out from Cecille Rodrigues.
Part I
“Kids Hit Puberty at 10. Our Conversations Start at 16. Something’s Off.”
By Cecille Rodrigues
Co Founder of Encore Academy of performing arts and founder of #rostogoa fight for safer roads
When children start entering puberty — when girls get their periods and boys feel changes in their bodies — around age 7 to 12, that is exactly when sex education must begin, or even slightly earlier. They should slowly be taught what is happening to their bodies and why. At our time we were just given pads when we started our periods. Nobody explained the problems we would face. Today there are also other methods like cups, tampons and period panties but children are not told properly. Children are often fooled with things like “kissing causes pregnancy,” but they must know the scientific reasons, hormones, and emotions. Children naturally have questions about why their bodies are changing.
Even young parents don’t always know how to explain these things, because today everything is open and accessible. If children feel comfortable to ask teachers, they will feel comfortable to ask parents. But very few parents can actually explain properly. Curiosity is strong, and that is why children end up watching or sharing pornography secretly in school — bringing mobiles, getting suspended if caught. Internet and now AI give access to everything instantly. There is no control — only guidance.
Parents must have good conversations with their children and create a safe space. Schools having counsellors is good. But parents also need guidance on how to talk to their children, because parents come from different walks of life. Sex education must begin at home and at school together.
Schools should also inform parents through meetings or even WhatsApp, so parents who cannot attend still know what was discussed. Parents should be encouraged to ask teachers for help if they don’t have the right answers. Being open is better than lying, so children take the right precautions instead of learning wrong things.
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