Edit Your Life Episode 104: Talking To Kids About Sexual Harassment

High fives to our episode sponsor AMAZE, a collaboration between three expert organizations in the field of sex education. AMAZE produces engaging sex education videos for 10-14 year olds and just launched Having The Talks, a series of videos and resource materials to help parents get past the awkward and get talking.

Kicked off by the revelation of Harvey Weinstein’s longtime sexual harassment and abuse, women have been speaking out about their own experiences by the thousands (many using the #metoo hashtag in social media). Last month I was moved to open up about own childhood sexual harassment experiences...something I hadn’t before discussed publicly. My Facebook Live broadcast prompted this week’s interview, because Asha and I wanted to pivot toward a resource that will help other parents broach this difficult topic with their kids.

In Episode 104 of Edit Your Life, I interview Nora Gelperin, Director of Sexuality Education and Training at Advocates for Youth. She shares down-to-earth advice about how to talk to kids about sexual abuse: what it is, how to recognize it, and how to protect themselves. Nora and I also discuss how to advocate for a strong sex ed program at your child’s school, and Nora recommends her favorite sex ed resources.

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Resources mentioned in this episode

• The New York Times expose on Harvey Weinstein’s pattern of abuse.
• The Movement of #MeToo (The Atlantic)
• Diana Nyad: My Life After Sexual Assault (NY Times; Note: graphic descriptions)
• Christine’s Facebook Live video about her childhood experiences with sexual harassment (Boston Mamas)
• AMAZE (short, fun videos about sexuality and other topics parents and kids find uncomfortable to discuss)
• AMAZE Having The Talks
• Nora Gelperin is Director of Sexuality Education and Training for Advocates for Youth
• Why Sex Ed
• Deborah Roffman: But How’d I Get In There In The First Place?
• Robie Harris: It’s So Amazing, It’s Not the Stork, It’s Perfectly Normal

Question Of The Week

What is your favorite sex ed resource? Join the discussion on the Edit Your Life Facebook page (look for the Question Of The Week post pinned to the top of the page).

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Featured photo by Igor Ovsyannykov on Unsplash