These kinds of conversations are still difficult for me, after hearing decades of discussion about porn. From "It's normal and healthy", to "It's obscene and unhealthy". All I really know for sure is it's different for girls.
These kinds of conversations are still difficult for me, after hearing decades of discussion about porn. From "It's normal and healthy", to "It's obscene and unhealthy". All I really know for sure is it's different for girls.
There's no doubt it's a difficult and tricky conversation. And we're probably overdue to have it in a more serious way. But I think these age-gate measures really boil down to an attempt to avoid that conversation altogether — to put up this flimsy gate, clap our hands, and say "job well done."
And you're right that there's a gender lens to this that really bears focusing on. Better sex education that takes into account those challenges is sorely needed — and it's lagging.
These kinds of conversations are still difficult for me, after hearing decades of discussion about porn. From "It's normal and healthy", to "It's obscene and unhealthy". All I really know for sure is it's different for girls.
There's no doubt it's a difficult and tricky conversation. And we're probably overdue to have it in a more serious way. But I think these age-gate measures really boil down to an attempt to avoid that conversation altogether — to put up this flimsy gate, clap our hands, and say "job well done."
And you're right that there's a gender lens to this that really bears focusing on. Better sex education that takes into account those challenges is sorely needed — and it's lagging.
Definitely agree on providing age-appropriate sex education.