Child sexual education from the Islamic perspective

Sex education as one of the important issues in the field of education plays an important role in shaping human personality and affects thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the content, methods and benefits of appropriate sexual educations in this age group in terms of Islamic culture.

This review article was conducted through studying on scientific resources and articles published in valid scientific databases in 2011-2017 as well as using Holy Qur’an and Hadiths.

In terms of Islam, puberty is a period of increased guidance and control and is not the beginning of sexual education. Hence, sexual education should start from the age of childhood, and its postponement may lead to a deviation from normal growth. Sex education strategies during childhood include providing information appropriate to the child's age, appropriate responses to child sexual questions, indirect education, education of the relationship between girls and boys, prevention of early maturity, separating the children's bed as well as the extent of kissing and caressing of children. Other parenting behaviors that affect the child's sexual behavior comprise affection for the child, meeting the psychological needs, developing the moral virtues and growing the religious beliefs.

In Islam, parents are obliged to provide the natural growth and education, including child’s sexual development and education from birth. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the awareness of parents about sexual education and training of children and to develop a positive attitude in them.