Research has shown that parents and teachers want ways to start and continue conversations with their children and students on basic growing up topics. The TALK Puberty app was created to prompt these conversations.
Simply click on one of the five sections, then swipe through the provided questions children commonly ask about puberty and adolescence. To increase your feelings of comfort, state questions aloud one at a time. By doing this, the questions serve as a “cue to action” – this means the actual asking of a question encourages people to talk.
Over 150 questions are provided and broken down into five sections:
- Basic Questions About Puberty
- Questions About Most Girls
- Questions About Most Boys
- Other Questions Children Often Ask (these questions include references to sexual identity and safe/unsafe touches)
- Open-Ended Questions
Within the first four sections, brief answers are provided on the slide following each question. If additional information is needed, refer to a reliable resource including your local medical professional. Some resources are noted within the app in the “Resources” section.
Recommended to be used with children ages 7 through 15, although people of all ages are welcome to use the questions to have interactive conversations about real life. By opening that line of communication now, you are creating a safer and healthier environment for your children and students to return and ask more complex questions as they get older.
Remember – the word TALK is a verb. Talking helps us feel more connected and builds trust.
Notes:
- We chose to use the terms “girls” and “boys” due to many children being more concrete learners when they are younger.
- Although the terms “girls” and “boys” are used during anatomical references, it is important to remember that someone can have a vulva even if they don’t identify as a girl or a penis even if they don’t identify as a boy.
- The section titled “Other Questions Children Often Ask” contains a variety of questions including those about consent, identity, sexual health, and safety.
- The TALK Puberty app needs to be purchased for downloading. This decision was made to support your privacy and to ensure your use of the app, including the conversations you have with family members and friends, is not interrupted by advertisements.
Another way to help you have conversations is by listening to Puberty Prof Podcast or reading the book titled Common Questions Children Ask About Puberty: Insights from a nationally recognized health education expert as a family!