What the WHO document on sexuality says, quoted in Bolsonaro’s publication – Crescer Magazine

This Wednesday (29), President Jair Bolsonaro published in his Facebook criticism a WHO document that, according to him, encourages “masturbation” for children from 0 to 4 years old, and also mentions the incentive to “play doctor” . The post was removed minutes later.

Previously, the President’s special adviser, Arthur Weintraub, brother of Abraham Weintraub, the current Minister of Education, had also posted criticism of the document on his Twitter, citing that the guidelines recommend that children ages 0-4 be taught “pleasure and fun” and “touch the body”.

The document cited by both was prepared in 2010 by the German Health Council, in collaboration with the WHO European office. “The guidelines are based on a positive interpretation of sexuality, which is considered a natural part of human development and a central aspect of human beings throughout life. Issues such as HIV / AIDS, unwanted pregnancies and sexual violence are integrated into a comprehensive education that focuses on the self-determination of the individual and the responsibility of people for themselves and for others, “says the council itself in the document, on their website.

With 68 pages and available in 13 languages, the document presents studies and historical context for recommendations on sexuality, aimed at educators, health professionals and parents. The passage, for example, that mentions child masturbation, does not do so as a recommendation, but rather as a mention of behaviors considered normal for the child, when he discovers his sexuality.

“In general, during the first six years, children quickly move from complete dependency to limited independence. They become aware of their own bodies. Children have sexual feelings, even in early childhood. Between the second and third year of their lives, they discover the physical differences between men and women. During this time, children begin to discover their own bodies (child masturbation, self-stimulation) and may also try to examine their friends’ bodies (play doctor). Children learn about their environment from experience, and sexuality is no different from other areas in this regard. Extensive observational research has identified child sexual behavior, ensuring what type of behavior is considered normal, “says the text.

Also according to the document description, the guidelines are intended to help children become aware of their bodies, including to communicate limits. But after all, what are the recommendations for each age group? Below is a summary of what the document says:

– 0 to 4 years: In this phase, children should learn about body parts, how to clean them properly, begin to learn and ask questions about different types of families, and can be encouraged to say “yes” and “no” about what concerns their Body

– From 4 to 6 years old: At this age, the child can begin to receive information about reproduction, when curiosity arises, in addition to learning notions of what abuse is and the need to respect differences.

– From 6 to 9 years old: It’s time to learn about the changes taking place in the body, the biological differences between men and women, sex in the media, and notions about sexual violence and sexually transmitted diseases.

– From 9 to 12 years: Information about puberty, self-acceptance, in-depth lessons on reproduction and family planning, as well as conversations about emotions and a sense of responsibility about your own sexuality and that of others are recommended.

– From 12 to 15 years old: Here issues can revolve around contraception, each person’s sexual rights, and informed and informed decision making. It is also worth talking about possible conflicts between the values ​​of each one, the different religions and the influence of society.

– From 15 years: It is time to talk about the psychological changes that came with puberty, the need for equality between decisions with a partner, gender differences, as well as empowerment against their own rights and respect for the rights of others.

“Sex education helps to develop the child’s senses and body, body image and, at the same time, strengthens the child’s self-confidence and contributes to the development of self-determination: the child will be able to behave responsibly towards himself and herself. others, “says the document.

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