Masturbation: Teenagers discover the body
Masturbation is a way for boys and girls through puberty to learn about their sexual needs. Here we provide information about the role that masturbation plays in the sexual development of young people and how you can deal with this topic at home.
Even open-minded parents often find it difficult to deal with their child’s sexuality and masturbation, especially when puberty makes itself felt at an early age. The first great love, the first kiss, the first time are exciting and unsettling at the same time.
Masturbation is also still a topic that many parents and young people find somewhat embarrassing. Above all, one thing is recommended: serenity. Masturbation is part of normal development and as long as the child is doing well there is nothing to worry about.
Masturbation: Getting to know the body
Even in infancy, girls and boys tend to stroke and rub their genitals. Some parents are disturbed by this, especially when it happens in public. But don’t worry, exploring the body also makes small children feel good and, like playing the doctor, is completely normal. Parents can lovingly convey to their children that such touches are private and that they should therefore avoid them in the supermarket or restaurant, for example.
During puberty, masturbation plays an important role for most young people. They can live out their sexual needs in private fantasies and get to know their bodies better. But masturbation also helps teens figure out what gives them pleasure and what doesn’t. In a partnership, this often makes it easier for them to talk openly about sexual desires.
Masturbation is private
When puberty sets in, children increasingly develop a sense of their own privacy. Perhaps children suddenly lock the bathroom door or no longer want to change in front of their parents. Even if parents are comfortable with nudity and are irritated by their child’s sudden feelings of shame, it’s important to respect privacy. This means, for example, that parents should knock before entering their child’s room. In this way, they also avoid what young people perceive as a real horror scenario: being surprised by their parents when they masturbate. And if it does happen, a short apology and a speedy retreat is recommended.
Dealing with masturbation at home
Fortunately, the fact that masturbation is supposed to cause physical damage is only known as a horror story. Nevertheless, young people are often insecure when it comes to masturbation. Am I masturbating too often? Can the penis or vagina be injured? Is it okay to masturbate as a girl? The more “embarrassing” the question, the greater the reluctance to ask friends or parents for answers.
If an enlightening conversation does not materialize or parents simply cannot find the right words, they can provide their child with brochures or reliable Internet sources. There you will find information on many areas of sexuality, including masturbation. We have also compiled useful tips for sex education for children and young people in our special education .