Ottawa·Recap

How to talk to young children about sex

The introduction of a new sexual-education curriculum by the Ontario government this week has raised questions about the best way to talk to young children about sex.

Join a live web chat with a CHEO expert on Wednesday starting at 5:20 p.m.

The introduction of a new sexual-education curriculum by the Ontario government this week has raised many questions about the best way to talk to young children about sex.

Education Minister Liz Sandals unveiled the new curriculum at a news conference Monday.

Sandals said many aspects of the curriculum, like telling children they have the right to say no to unwanted touching, remains the same. However, because of public health data that shows children are experiencing puberty earlier, some topics are being introduced at earlier ages.

Dr. Michelle Ward, a pediatrician and the director of the Division of Child and Youth Protection at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, took part in a live web chat on Wednesday and answered your questions. 

You can read the chat below.