Who had a hard time with sex ed? Remember being split up between boys and girls and always wondering what they saw, what they are going through, and where in the hell did they get the 20 year old films and the projector? Sex ed and dealing with the changes can be hard and you have to figure out who do you ask which question, which adult or classmate or parent has the right answers, and which book will cover your boner the best?
AMAZE may be here to rescue or sex ed dilemma in this nation. With the news that some communities only teach abstinence and hard telling what they say or are allowed to mention about the LGBT community, many students go to the internet. Why not have real info answering real questions that all kids have when the changes occur.
NEW YORK – Sex education experts Advocates for Youth, Answer and Youth Tech Health (YTH) will launch AMAZE, an online sex ed resource providing accurate and relatable information to 10-14 year-olds, at a screening event today in New York City. The new videos are available here.
Recent studies have revealed major shortcomings in sex education across the United States, and young people are demanding access to better, more relatable information. Answering this call, the AMAZE video series launched today takes a fresh look at presenting a wide variety of complicated subjects through humorous, non-judgmental, uniquely styled videos. Formatted as a YouTube playlist, the series is an easily accessible tool, given that teens and preteens are spending an increasingly significant amount of time online and is the go-to place for young people seeking to find answers to the questions they are most curious about.
“It’s perfectly normal for young people to have questions about sex and growing up, and the internet is a natural place for curious minds,” said Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth. “But with so much information at their fingertips, what they discover online may not be the most factual or age-appropriate. The AMAZE videos address a range of critical topics about puberty and relationships in a way that—to young people’s relief—is less awkward, less weird and can help start important conversations with their parents and teachers, helping young people form healthy attitudes about sex and relationships during this critical time in their lives.”
Speaking directly to 10-14 year olds, the videos cover a range of topics related to puberty, sexual orientation and gender identity, friendships, relationships, and more. By offering an alternative to the sea of misinformation, rumors, and porn, AMAZE is an important and inclusive resource for young adolescents, parents, and educators seeking a way to open lines of communication honestly, factually, and with a good dose of humor. The videos were produced by a team of animators (with input from young people) from around the world, who are creating additional content every month to supplement the videos that are part of today’s launch.
You can see the first videos in the AMAZE series and view resources for parents and teachers here.
The site is new, some videos are there and others are on their way. I may have to come back to learn more about masturbation. I really do not remember it being mentioned in my sex ed class. Do you?
It looks like they're not going to steer clear of too many topics. AMAZE already has a video posted about sexual orientation.
Talking Sexual Orientation with Jane
Sexual orientation is all about who you’re attracted to! It’s totally normal to have questions about sexual orientation, so you may be wondering about who you are and who you feel attracted to, know that it’s okay!
So the videos are a little comical for us, but remember, they are aimed at 10 to 14 year olds. Thinking back, I think these would have been very helpful, better than the films accompanied by cassettes … turn tape to side two … load second film strip.
How the Boner Grows
If you're a boy going through puberty, you've probably experienced getting a boner. We know it can happen at times that are embarrassing or inconvenient, but don't worry! It's normal and it happens to everyone. The bright-side? As you get older, it won’t happen nearly as much.
Do you think these will be used in the classroom? Will they be used more so at home, by parents or even by kids just poking around? That may depend on what kind of internet access each kid has in their own home.
Here are some other videos tht may interest our straight and LGBT youth.
STD & HIV
Identity & Expression
Healthy Relationships
h/t: http://amaze.org/#
Instagram: AmazeOrg
Snapchat: AmazeOrg
http://amaze.org/
AMAZE is a collaboration between Advocates for Youth, Answer, and Youth Tech Health working to create an engaging, age appropriate, online sex education resource for young people aged 10-14. There’s help for parents and teachers too. Visit AMAZE.org for tools to help facilitate a healthy discussion with your kids and students about these essential but sensitive subjects.