Ibadan, June 6, 2026 – Parents in Ibadan have expressed varied opinions on the appropriate age and approach for introducing sex education to children, highlighting ongoing debate over how best to handle the sensitive topic.
The views were shared in separate interviews on Saturday, with many respondents agreeing that early and continuous communication is key, though they differed on timing, content and method.
An entrepreneur, Mrs. Oluwatosin Awogbami, said sex education should begin as early as age three when children start identifying body parts.
She explained that children should be taught body awareness, personal boundaries and the importance of understanding appropriate and inappropriate touch.
According to her, sex education should not be a one-time discussion but a continuous conversation between parents and children.
She added that everyday situations, such as watching films or encountering online content, should be used as teaching moments to guide children on what is appropriate.
Awogbami also stressed the need to caution children against harmful content on social media and to educate them on how to respond when exposed to such material.
She further noted that real-life situations, including teenage pregnancy cases, can serve as teachable moments to reinforce the consequences of risky behaviour.
A father, Mr. Azeez Oluwole, said discussions on the subject should begin around age four, focusing initially on guiding behaviour and correcting children without resorting to physical punishment.
He explained that more detailed explanations should start around age six, going beyond religious teachings to help children understand personal responsibility and consequences.
Oluwole argued that relying solely on spiritual warnings may create fear rather than understanding, adding that children should instead be taught to recognise risks and protect themselves.
He said parents should gradually adjust their explanations as children grow, ensuring both boys and girls receive adequate guidance.
Sharing a personal experience, he said his early exposure to a similar situation in childhood strengthened his belief in early education on the subject.
He added that children should also be taught about self-control and discipline as they mature.
A health professional and Chief Operating Officer of Purelife Health, Mrs. Oluwabusayo Adegoke, said sex education should be introduced through simple, honest and age-appropriate conversations that evolve with the child.
She explained that the focus should begin with body autonomy, consent, safety and trust before progressing to puberty, relationships and sexuality.
According to her, the topic should be treated as an ongoing dialogue rather than a single discussion.
She said she uses practical tools such as illustrations to teach her children about body boundaries and awareness, gradually introducing topics like menstruation as they grow older.
Another parent, Mrs. Temitope Adelakun, said children should begin learning about sex education as soon as they are able to distinguish basic concepts and understand their environment.
She noted that while some parents prefer to preserve innocence, exposure from peers and media makes early guidance necessary.
Adelakun added that children, especially girls, mature at different rates and may become vulnerable if not properly guided early enough.
She said parents should take the lead in having the conversation, despite its sensitivity, as children are already exposed to related information through cartoons, schoolmates and social interactions.
According to her, the method of teaching should be adapted to each child’s personality and level of understanding, ensuring they are aware of both the risks and consequences of their choices.