Teen sexuality terms

The teenage years are a time when many young people start to discover their sexuality. Sexuality includes feelings and attraction on all different levels - not just who you have sex with. While this is a common part of teenage life, it can also be a confusing time for young people and their families. Find out more about the concepts of sexuality that your child might be dealing with, how to support them during this time, and how to recognise any signs that they may need your support.

It may be quick and easy for some, or longer and more difficult for others. Feelings of being "different" emerge throughout childhood, although it may not be clear to the child what the feelings means. Children may begin exploring gender and relationships before kindergarten, so "coming out" and sharing these feelings of being different with others may happen at any time. For many kids, gender identity becomes clear around puberty as they develop gender characteristics and stronger romantic attractions. However, many LGBT teens have said, in retrospect, that they began to sense something "different" about themselves early in life, and for gender diverse youth, sometimes as far back as preschool. It is common for LGBT teens to feel scared or nervous during this stage.

You can help your child by modelling and reinforcing values and beliefs about safety, responsibility, honest communication and respect in relationships by treating your partner with respect and talking about how to stay safe. Most teenagers will experiment with sexual behaviour at some stage — this is a normal, natural and powerful urge in these years. But not all teenage relationships include sex.

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