2024-01-15 21:00:04
For adolescents, the construction of sexuality is about discovering desires, tastes and limits. Along the way, there are myths to banish and information that adults can provide.
Last update: January 15, 2024
During adolescence, young people experience changes in their physical, emotional and sexual development. Therefore, it is essential to approach the construction of your sexuality from a perspective that encourages respect, open communication, and informed decision-making.
Comprehensive sexuality education plays a crucial role. Through it, precise information is provided about anatomy, body care, the right to privacy, contraception, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and, most importantly, respect for mutual consent.
It is vital that young people have access to resources that allow them to understand the emotional and physical implications of sexual activity. For this reason, an approach focused on respect for the diversity of experiences is necessaryso that decisions about your sexuality are made according to your own values and circumstances.
Banish the myths of adolescent sexuality
Some notions that are common among adolescents must be demystified. Above all, those that have to do with the false categories of “right” and “wrong.”
Sexuality is diverse, it is a personal and unique experience that cannot be pigeonholed into norms. So there is no universal standard.
The myth of the “token of love”
Adolescents should not believe that certain sexual practices constitute a “sign of love” or trust. For them, it is important to understand that love and trust are not demonstrated through specific actions in the sexual sphere.
Everyone has their own preferences and limits. There are no pre-established rules that define the authenticity or quality of a relationship.
The freedom to say “no” without fear or prejudice is non-negotiable.
The myth of who is better in bed
It is also essential to banish the idea that there are specific sexual positions or habits that make someone “better in bed.” The truth is that There is no single formula to experience pleasure and intimate connection.. Neither during adolescence nor at any stage of life.
Everyone chooses what they like and what they want to explore. And that’s fine.
The myth of the onset age
There is no age at which sexual relations begin that are the same for everyone. The decision of when to start is influenced by personal, cultural, social and emotional factors. Therefore, there is no “right time.”
Peer pressure, cultural expectations, and the media also play a role in decisions about initiating sexual relations. Some teens may feel ready to explore their sexuality, while others prefer to wait.
It is essential to recognize the diversity of experiences and beliefs. To support, we need to respect the education received, accept the maturation processes and make room for the individuality of each person.
The myths around condoms
Ideas such as the loss of sensitivity in the sexual act when using a condom or the supposed impossibility of pregnancy in the first relationship, encourage the lack of use of condoms. And this is sustained by ignorance and lack of information.
During adolescence (as well as in other stages of life), the relevance of using condoms goes beyond trust in the partner. Education around contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections is key.
Using a condom is a smart choice. It has to do with mutual care.
Sexual consent is an essential right
Consent in adolescent sexuality is a fundamental principle that protects the autonomy and well-being of each person. It happens in every meetingboth casually and in long-term relationships, since preferences can change over time.
Open communication and active listening are key in intimacy to understand what the other likes and reach an agreement that both enjoy.
What are the basic points of sexual consent in adolescence? Let’s see:
- Don’t assume anything: Giving consent to a specific practice does not imply acceptance of other actions. Each act must be communicated and agreed upon.
- Free decision without pressure: Each participant in sexual activity must express his or her desire voluntarily, without feeling coerced by external circumstances, such as supposed obligation or fear.
- Clarity and awareness: Consent should not be ambiguous or given in situations where decision-making capacity is compromised, as occurs under the influence of substances, for example. All parties involved must fully understand the nature of sexual activity.
- Direct communication: Consent is communicated clearly, verbally or through bodily expressions and sounds that denote desire. Assuming that past behavior or clothing implies acceptance is a mistake. Silence, for its part, should never be interpreted as consent.
- Possibility of retracting: At any time and at any stage of sexual activity, you have the right to change your mind. Every decision and practice can be reversible. Saying “no” is valid at any time, even if the previous “yes” has already been given. Every day we are different and our preferences may vary. It is normal to experience changes in intimacy and try new things or decide not to repeat them.
The individual construction of adolescent sexuality
Freedom, open communication and mutual respect are pillars of intimacy. And it is important for teenagers to know that there are no rigid rules: Sex is lived authentically and adapts to the needs and desires of each person and each couple..
We should not allow society, prejudice or external expectations to dictate what is acceptable in adolescent sexuality. They would have to understand, from early on, that each person has their own erotic points, their practices, their habits and fetishes… and that is part of human diversity.
There are no recipes or manuals. Everyone has the right to explore their sexuality authentically and without judgment.. Even more so in youth, which is the foundation time to build healthy relationships.
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