Comprehensive Sex Education: Sexual and Relational Health Resources for All Ages

Esther Perel

In the article 5 Ways Comprehensive Sex Education Makes a Difference, I shared why sexuality and relationship education is important to our lives, the lives of our children, and our society as a whole. In response, many of you have asked, “but how?” How do you talk to your child about sex, relationships, and their body? 

Reading is a great way to introduce sexual and relational health talks with your child, but there are many resources available beyond a library of books. I’ve compiled a collection of learning tools from my personal library and the recommendations from my colleagues and team. 

The list includes books, articles, and online tools for parents and youth to learn and become more comfortable and confident in their bodies and connection to others. Use this list to create a sexual and relational health toolbox of your own. 

  1. Online Resources - Parents
  2. Online Resources - Teens 
  3. Reading List - Early Ed + Elementary Age
  4. Reading/Watch List - Middle School + High School
  5. Reading/Watch List - Late-teens + College

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION - PARENTS

AMAZE Parents | AMAZE Jr. 
AMAZE envisions a world that recognizes child and adolescent sexual development as natural and healthy, a world in which young people everywhere are supported and affirmed and the adults in their lives communicate openly and honestly with them about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex and sexuality. AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, your body, and relationships. Amaze has sections for teens, parents, and young children.  

Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education 3rd Edition - Written by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) Task Force
Sex Positive Families
Strengthening sexual health and body awareness talks between parents and children through education, resources, and supportive services. The website has a wealth of free downloadable resources, blog posts, and an active Instagram page.

The Porn Conversation
Feminist porn producer, Erika Lust, in consultation with sex educators, created this porn-education website for parents. The Porn Conversation believes that prohibition and shame is not the answer, instead, they believe in education and conversation. By choosing to shed light on the debate about online pornography, they are campaigning for more equipped and alert young beings, who are ready to make better choices; driven by knowledge, and not by fear. The Porn Conversation links to research and articles and provides practical tips for parents.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR COMPREHENSIVE SEX EDUCATION RESOURCES - TEENS

AMAZE
AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, sexuality, puberty, reproduction, and relationships. 

Roo
A free sexual health app created by Planned Parenthood to connect curious users to facts. Roo answers all your awkward questions about sexual health, relationships, growing up, and more. Chatting with Roo is free and private, so go ahead and ask the things you don't want to ask out loud.

Scarleteen
Scarleteen is an independent, grassroots sexuality and relationships education and support organization and website. Scarleteen provides inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationship information for teens and emerging adults.

Sex Etc.
Sex Etc. is sex education by teens, for teens. Sex Etc has helped teens with answers to their questions about sex, relationships, pregnancy, STDs, birth control, sexual orientation and more.

READING LIST - EARLY ED + ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Preschool Age

Elementary Age

Parents

READING/WATCH LIST - MIDDLE SCHOOL + HIGH SCHOOL

Book list courtesy of Sex Esteem® by Sari Cooper

Teens

Parents

READING/WATCH LIST - LATE-TEENS + COLLEGE

Sign up for letters from Esther, a monthly newsletter + Youtube workshop and conversation where we sharpen our relational intelligence.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.