Promoting Healthy Sexual Development and Sexuality

Family members have different perspectives on how sexuality should be discussed with children and adolescents, such as who should be involved in those discussions and how much young people need to know and at what age. With respect for different individual and cultural values, health care professionals can address this important component of healthy development by incorporating sexuality education that includes gender identity development into health supervision from early childhood through adolescence.1 In the supportive environment of the medical home, health care professionals can provide personalized information, confidential screening of risk status, health promotion, and counseling for the child and adolescent. Developmentally appropriate, accurate resources that are related to sex education and healthy sexuality provide parents with factual information and encouragement as they educate and guide their growing child.