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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think that this cartoon really isn't too "graphic" for seven year olds?

225 replies

squirrel42 · 04/03/2010 20:01

Full news story is here: the latest Mail-sponsored "uproar" is over a sex education cartoon being shown at a primary school. Parents were apparently asked in advance if they wanted to view it first, some weren't able to attend the pre-viewing session but okayed it for their children to see anyway. At least one was later angry enough about what their child saw and some other children "copying" what they'd seen (presumbly not completely) that they have removed their child from the school.

I found a youtube link to the cartoon they're talking about here (NSFW obviously since it has cartoon sexual intercourse in it). Maybe it's my wooly liberal side speaking, but I really don't see what the problem is with that clip. You don't see any erect cartoon penises or a close up of "the action" just the general bodily movements, and sex is presented as an enjoyable activity engaged in by adults who love each other. Not quite what the parent says in their DM quote: "It should have said in the letter children would learn how to have sexual intercourse".

I really don't get what is in the cartoon that is apparently so objectionable for seven to eight year olds. Thoughts?

OP posts:
pigletmania · 05/03/2010 09:44

She has seen me naked so many times and on the toilet as i am trying to get her interested in TT but no just so not ready developmentally.

MillyR · 05/03/2010 10:00

I am not sure what I think about the cartoon. It concerns me slightly that the adults kind of look like they are playing - chasing each other round with a feather and then hugging, and then there is sex. Could a child then worry that if they were playing with another child, that playing could lead straight into sex? I don't know really. It is nice to see sex portrayed in an innocent way, but it also seems somewhat childlike, which might lead to confusion.

skihorse · 05/03/2010 10:05

YANBU - an educational cartoon is (imo) a very sensible way to describe sex - and a lecture delivered at that age is far less likely to descend in to giggles and whispers of "well I heard xxx let yyyy feel her fanny!"

... but then we're living in a world where people on these TTC boards complained about the word "jizz". Just wait until they find out that to get the baybee the winky has to go in the foofoo!

TheFirstLady · 05/03/2010 10:22

Skihorse, they could always do it with their eyes closed. If it's not a very big winky they might not notice.

Milly - honestly having watched the whole video I don't think that would be likely. It is preceded by a whole load of stuff about bodily changes and growing up and it is very clearly stated that sex is something that adults do in the context of a loving relationship.
And for those who are concerned, there is discussion of same-sex relationships too, although not cartoon drawings sadly.
Guys - this cartoon bit is a tiny segment of an hour-long video. And it is normally shown to 9/10-year-olds. I would have NO issue with my seven year old seeing it, but in our school it is shown in Year Five. Although she does know all about it because her sisters have discussed it at the dinner table.

amber1979 · 05/03/2010 10:24

People think that is porn? Oh dear!

Seven probably is a bit young, but sixteen is far too late!! (which the age one poster suggested).

This would be great for nine or ten year olds I think. The innocence of it is great, so much of modern sexuality is cloaked in smut, shame and guilt. It should be shown simply to try and fight that atitude if nothing else.

It was pointed out on the Porn thread that the first images of people having sex that many young teenagers see, are very cheesy, smutty porn. This vid I think is trying try to change that.

pigletmania · 05/03/2010 11:12

That why i think that 10-11 is ok for this but not younger.

TheFirstLady · 05/03/2010 11:18

And what about the girls who get their periods at nine, Pigletmania?

bernadetteoflourdes · 05/03/2010 11:26

It is not porn diddl just badly designed, thought out etc etc and an unecessary style for 7 year olds, not porn but certainly utter shite.

amber1979 · 05/03/2010 11:34

I think you can explain periods without this video.

People managed it for centuries before now! The main plus point of this video is promoting a happy, natural approach to sex.

TheFirstLady · 05/03/2010 11:41

It's not utter shite. As I have repeatedly pointed out this is a tiny clip of a much longer video that gives children a coherent view of pubertal changes and adult relationships.

ray81 · 05/03/2010 11:48

I dont have a problem with it tbh and would let my DD who is 8 watch it, but then my DD knows what sex is all about as we have had atalk about. Im 7months PG and she was asking questions so i answered honestly and openly. I would rather she feels she can come to me rather then listening to the other kids at school.

Its difficult to know what age is best to discuss sex with children, however i have a 9yr old sister and she comes to me more then my mum and she has heard alot of very untrue and scary things in school from the older children about sex and periods, and felt quite afraid of it all. Now we have spoken she realises its not a bad thing but something that a man and woman do together when they love eachother very much.

However ultimatley it is the parents decision as they knowhow mature their children are and what they can and cant handle.

pigletmania · 05/03/2010 11:57

Yes TFL you do not need that video to explain about periods, my friend started at 9 and her mum sat her down and explained to her about periods and why she gets them, and gave her pads and that was it.

pigletmania · 05/03/2010 11:59

I would rather be the one to sit down with my dd and talk to her about sex and things than to watch it at school, but do understand that some childrens parents dont.

seeker · 05/03/2010 12:01

But WHY don"t you want your children to know stuff? What is going to happen to them if they have information? Information is power - and innocence is not the same as ignorance!

pigletmania · 05/03/2010 12:03

I feel that i as dd mum should be the one to talk to her about sex seeker not school, i know my dd the best. For the record I learnt about sex at about 12-13 and for me, I did not got round randomly having sex as a teenager. Why does a 7 year old need that kind of information.

pigletmania · 05/03/2010 12:04

Fat lot of good early Sex ed is doing, we still have high teen pregnancy rates here in Britain compared to Europe unless i am corrected.

amber1979 · 05/03/2010 12:06

The sooner a child learns about sex the better I believe. Children don't need to know about say, tectonic plates in order to cope with their daily lives, yet they are still taught about them.

Tortington · 05/03/2010 12:10

paid up lefty liberal and i don't like it EEEK

i am ver surprised at myself actually, we live in an open household where sex had always been talked about

but putting images to that is a different matter.

ChippingIn · 05/03/2010 12:10

Seeker - I have no problem with my DC's knowing about sex if they ask questions or when I decide it's appropriate and in the way I think is appropriate. Facts & feelings are one thing, there is absolutely no need for them to watch a cartoon of adults actually having sex - not to mention the stupid voice over saying things like it's what adults do when they love each other - mine know I love my brother in law - doesn't mean I'm going to chase him around the room with a bloody feather and let him put his 'stiff penis' into my 'slippery vagina' as the video would have you believe...

Tortington · 05/03/2010 12:12

and i agree the sooner they learn about sex the better. - it becomes a norm and it should be done by the parents ideally who should create a loving environment for this to happen

but showing them this cartoon of a man and a woman having sex is too much even for me.

its one thing to tell your child that grown ups have sex and explain that

its another to show them a film of people ( albeit cartoon people) having sex.

bernadetteoflourdes · 05/03/2010 12:12

The graphics are shite like our Olympic logo,
it looks like it has been rushed out to show in schools to tie in Ballsy policy. UK has some of the best graphic/cartoon/film making talent in the world so why dont they use it. I like the idea of Aardmen animations coming up with something (in a cosy Beryl Cook style) they could be shown having the post copulatory obligatory fag tooo along with a cuddle or they could have the guy turning over and snoring I am all for a touch of reality in this.

Tortington · 05/03/2010 12:12

additionally i think i should add that i think it would be alright for 10 year olds.

but 7 is too young for my liking

claig · 05/03/2010 12:15

good point by pigletmania, why is it necessary at age 7? What is its purpose? Is it social engineering? Is it a form of indoctrination? Is it yet more undermining of parents and the family?

TheFirstLady · 05/03/2010 12:25

Actually BoL, the Living and Growing programme is over 10 years old and is used in a huge number of primary schools around the country. It's not a new thing. It is, as I have said, normally shown in Yr 5/6.
Claig - you are hilarious with your conspiracy theories.

bernadetteoflourdes · 05/03/2010 17:54

Hi ok first lady I see your point, they need to come at it from a fresh perspective new cartoon maybe. For a good contraceptive they good cartoonise that hairy fucker from The first joy of sex book, as he was enough to persuade me not to go there before I was 18, qite put me off the whole malarkey

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