In this episode of "Teach Your Kids," we explore the world of sex education with Heather Corinna, the founder and director of Scarleteen. As Scarleteen celebrates 25 impactful years, Heather takes us through its journey as a trailblazing online resource dedicated to offering young people honest and inclusive insights into sex, sexuality, and relationships. Heather discusses the significance of acknowledging young people's questions and creating a supportive environment for them to explore delicate topics, the appropriate timing for initiating sex education discussions with children, and addressing the challenges and pushbacks encountered in a society often shrouded in misconceptions. The conversation also delves into customizing sex education for diverse audiences, such as neurodivergent individuals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern sex education with clarity and confidence. Heather Corinna is the founder, director, designer, and editor of Scarleteen. With over 25 years of experience, Heather has been a tireless advocate for inclusive and accessible sex education for young people.
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Time Codes
00:00:00 — Introduction to Heather Corinna, founder of Scarleteen.
00:01:50 — Heather discusses Scarleteen's evolution from an adult platform to a youth resource.
00:08:06 — Core values in sex education for adolescents: respect, inclusivity, and evidence-based info.
00:11:04 — Tailoring sex education to diverse backgrounds and cultural contexts.
00:16:20 — Discussion on age-appropriate introduction to sex education.
00:21:33 — Challenges in providing comprehensive sex education and societal barriers.
00:31:14 — Debunking myths about sex education promoting early sexual activity.
00:35:36 — Influential figures and resources shaping Scarleteen's approach.
00:40:37 — Adapting sex education for neurodivergent children.
00:46:45 — Heather's advice for parents/educators on sex education: open communication and trust.
This podcast was recorded on Riverside and is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.