Resources

New edition of the acclaimed book on sex, sexuality, bodies, and puberty, featuring to-the-minute information and language accompanied by new and refreshed art. Updates include: a shift to gender-neutral vocabulary throughout; an expansion on LGBTQIA topics, gender identity, sex, and sexuality; recent advances in methods of sexual safety and contraception; a revised section on abortion, including an accurate, honest overview; a sensitive and detailed expansion on the topics of sexual abuse, the importance of consent, and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS; a modern understanding of social media and the internet.

A book to get conversations about positive sexuality started, with accurate information about gender identity, gender expression, consent and self-trust. Framed in the context of empowerment and based on research findings that show that teaching pleasure and confidence are an integral part of a consensual society.

This book admits that puberty is a smelly, hairy, sticky, and (worst of all) totally confusing time! But there’s a lot about puberty that makes it REALLY AWESOME. Kids get the whole picture with this honest, humorous, and empowering survival guide to the tween years. It’s packed with straightforward illustrations, easy-to-understand scientific information, interesting studies, and tips from experts, covering everything from breast development and gender identity to acne and mental health.

A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identities. An essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10, as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the “facts of life” or “the birds and the bees,” this book opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy.

Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods. Promoting the fact that everyone either has periods or knows someone who does, the book reduces the anxiety girls face in asking for help. It offers direct advice on what periods look and feel like and how to manage hygiene and pain. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.

Tips, how-tos, and facts from the experts. Answers to questions about changing bodies, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between.

An illustrated, LGBTQ+ inclusive kids’ guide to sex, gender and relationships education that includes children and families of all genders and sexual orientations, covering puberty, hormones, consent, sex, pregnancy and safety.

A fun and creative way to learn more about... vaginas and periods! The book uses pop-ups and colourful graphics to normalize anatomy aesthetics and menstruation. It also describes various menstrual product options beyond just tampons and pads.

From Heather Corinna, founder and director of Scarleteen.com, and Isabella Rotman, cartoonist and sex educator, comes a graphic novel and activity book guide that covers essential topics for preteens and young teens about their changing bodies and feelings. Inclusive of different kinds of genders, sexualities, and other identities, they talk about important topics like: bodies, including puberty, body parts and body image; sexual and gender identity; gender roles and stereotypes; crushes, relationships, and sexual feelings; boundaries and consent; media and cultural messages around bodies and sex; how to be sensitive, kind, accepting, and mature; and where to look for more information, support and help.

Following Ellie as she begins to notice changes to her body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach girls with autism and related conditions about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as periods. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with girls and young women with autism or related conditions.

Following Tom as he begins to notice changes to his body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach boys with autism or other special needs about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as wet dreams. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with boys and young men with autism or special needs.

A completely new approach to learning about puberty, sex, and gender for kids 10+. In a bright graphic format featuring four dynamic middle schoolers, this book grounds sex education in social justice, covering not only the big three of puberty—hormones, reproduction, and development—but also power, pleasure, and how to be a decent human being. There are chapters on body autonomy, disclosure, stigma, harassment, pornography, trauma, masturbation, consent, boundaries and safety in our media-saturated world, puberty and reproduction that includes trans, non-binary, and intersex bodies and experience, and more. Racially and ethnically diverse, inclusive of cross-disability experience, this is a book for every kind of young person and every kind of family.

A collection of short, animated videos for preteens on all-things sexual health and relationships.

An educational comic guide to giving and receiving consent in sex, relationships, and other physical contact. Sargeant Yes Means Yes from the Consent Cavalry is a beacon of clarity in a fuzzy minefield of consent questions who drops in on a diverse range of folks deciding whether to engage in sexual activity. Sarge also includes tips on what affirmative consent looks like, advocating for what you want, and setting boundaries that honour your comfort and safety. The result is a positive resource illustrating how easy it really is to respect each other’s bodies and desires.

A quick, easy, and educational comic book guide that will help change the way we talk about sex and sexuality for all bodies. All different kinds of bods want to connect with other bods, but lots of them get left out of the conversation when it comes to S-E-X. As explained by disabled cartoonist A. Andrews, this easy-to-read guide covers the basics of disability sexuality, common myths about disabled bodies, communication tips, and practical suggestions for having the best sexual experience possible. Whether you yourself are disabled, you love someone who is, or you just want to know more, consider this your handy starter kit to understanding disability sexuality, and your path to achieving accessible (and fulfilling) sex.

This book breaks down the basics of how to give and get consent in every aspect of life for readers aged 14 years and older. Learn how consent is a vital part of how we connect with ourselves and our self-esteem, the people close to us, and the wider world. The book covers a broad range of topics, including: how we greet each other, how to choose things for ourselves, how we say no to things, communicating and respecting choices in sexual relationships, the factors that can affect a person’s ability to choose, and how to empower other people by giving them consent.

A frank, compassionate, and evidence-based guide to healthy sexual relationships, focusing on the crucial role of consent in sex education. Dr. Lang breaks down confusing concepts into factual and clear guidance. She outlines not only what consent looks and sounds like, but the importance of recognizing when a person has the capacity to give consent, and when they don’t. Written for all teens, and inclusive of all sexual identities and orientations.

In this graphic novel, readers can explore the practical side of sex, from the basics of what defines sex, to barriers and testing, masturbation, and the ins-and-outs of having sex with other people. Learn something new and understand sexuality better.

An empowering survival guide that provides no-nonsense advice on sex, social media, mental health, and sexism that young women face in their everyday life. Hilarious, bold, and unapologetic, this book exposes the truth about the pressures surrounding body image, the false representations in media, the complexities of sex and relationships, the trials of social media, and all the other lies society has told us.

Welcoming and inclusive of all self-identified girls, this book is an uncensored, unbiased, and relevant guide. It covers healthy sexuality, loving relationships, and gender fluidity, as well as thornier subjects such as STIs, consent, and sexual assault. Plus, self-reflection quizzes, resources, and real-life stories from other girls.

A down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. This book looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.

A big book of answers—with funny and educational illustrations—to the most popular and most interesting questions young people have about birth control, development, sexually transmitted diseases, and so much more. Within these pages you will find nonjudgmental (and fun!) answers meant to educate teens without the uncomfortable silence or weird eye contact often associated with “The Talk.” This book isn’t afraid to tackle the nitty-gritty questions, such as “Does masturbating give you a disease?” and “Is the pineapple thing true?” that youth may think twice about raising their hand to ask in sexual health class or at home.

An inclusive, accessible and honest graphic novel guide to growing up, from gender and sexuality to consent and safe sex. Perfect for any teen starting to ask: Is what I’m feeling normal? Is what my body is doing normal? Am I normal? How do I know what are the right choices to make? How do I fix it when I make a mistake? Covering relationships, friendships, gender, sexuality, anatomy, body image, safe sex, sexting, jealousy, rejection, sex education, and more, this is a handbook for every teen navigating adolescence.

Hailed by The New York Times as a “feminist classic,” and “America’s bestselling book on women’s health,” this book is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of women’s health and sexuality, including menopause, birth control, childbirth, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and general well-being. This new edition includes information on: safer sex; environmental health risks; body image (resisting negative media stereotypes and embracing healthier approaches to looking and feeling good); local and global activism; as well as information about gender identity, sexual orientation, birth control, abortion, pregnancy and birth, perimenopause, and sexuality and sexual health as we age.

A humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBTQ teens come out to friends and family, navigate their social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and challenge bigotry and homophobia. Personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history provide relatable context.

This book is a comprehensive guide with essential information about setting boundaries, coercion, reciprocity, and communication. You’ll also find hard facts about sex and trauma, the effects of pornography and cultural expectations, and much more. With this book, you’ll learn how to make sexual decisions that honor your sense of values and cultivate rewarding and emotionally supportive relationships throughout your life.

Sex ed guide for teens and young adults, tackling everything youth want to know about sex, from consent, safe sex, emotional health and more, from the founder of scarleteen.com. This book tackles all the big topics: self-image; how to protect and support your sexual and emotional health; sorting out gender and sexual identities; contraceptive methods and other reproductive choices, sexually transmitted infections, and safer sex; finding, creating, and managing healthy and happy relationships; how to set and respect limits and boundaries, and rock consent; identifying, preventing, or healing from abuse or assault; and much more. No shame, no judgement, just comprehensive and accurate info in a clear, straightforward language.

Written explicitly for the almost ten percent of teenagers who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or any of the unique identities that are not heterosexual/cisgendered. This book explores sex, dating, relationships, puberty, and both physical and online safety in one resource. For LGBTQ youth, this is a resource containing information on the unique issues queer youth face regarding what puberty looks like (particularly for trans youth), dating skills and violence, activism, personal safety, and above all, pride. Parents and other supportive adults who are motivated to educate themselves and who are interested in gaining some tools and skills around making these necessary conversations less uncomfortable and more effective will benefit from this book.

Answers to everything that trans teens and their families need to know. With a focus on self-care, expression and being proud of your unique identity, the guide is packed full of invaluable advice from people who understand the realities and complexities of growing up trans. Having been there, done that, Fox and Owl are able to honestly chart the course of life as a trans teen, from potentially life-saving advice on dealing with dysphoria or depression, to hilarious real-life awkward trans stories.

An all-inclusive, uncensored guide for teens who are transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or gender-fluid. TRANS+ answers questions, easy and hard, about gender and covers mental health, physical health and reproduction, transitioning, relationships, sex, and life as a trans or nonbinary individual. It’s full of essential information and includes real-life stories from trans and nonbinary teens.

Washable, sustainable period products and resources.

A peer-to-peer education program working to provide opportunities for youth to explore attitudes, values, and behaviours that support sexual health and well-being for lifelong impact (formerly Condomania).

A site to ask questions and have them answer by a team of Columbia University health promotion specialists, health care providers, and other health professionals.

Information on sexual health for teens and young adults by the American Sexual Health Association. The facts, the support, the resources to answer questions, and in-depth information about sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, healthy relationships, and more.

Based in British Columbia, Canada, Options provides current sexual and reproductive health care, information, and education from a feminist, pro-choice, sex positive perspective.

A free, private chatbot that answers youth’s questions about sexual health, relationships, growing up, and more.

BC’s Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre.

Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults. A great resource for parents too.

An initiative of the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Canada. A modern, trusted resource for all things sexual and reproductive health.

A teaching resource from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, exploring relationships, sexual consent, equity and sexual and reproductive health for youth, including accessible, entertaining animated videos.

A youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender non-conforming students through advocacy and empowerment. Website contains great resources, like the Gender Unicorn, that help explain gender and sexuality.

A provocative inquiry into how we teach our children about bodies, sex, relationships and equality—with practical takeaways from the author’s research and observations from the Dutch approach to sexual health. A forward path for a groundbreaking generation of caregivers who want clear examples and actionable steps for how to support children’s sexual development—and overall wellbeing—from birth onward at home, in schools, and across our evolving culture.

A step-by-step guide for parents and carers on how to protect children from sexual abuse through personal Body Safety Education. This guide contains simple, practical and age-appropriate ideas, as well as important information on how abusers groom and signs a child maybe being sexually abused.

Ten concrete rules to strengthen your relationship with your teenager so that you can start to talk about sex. Dr. Karen Rayne’s primary goal is to support families in building relationships that hold solid and true from the fun times through the hard times and everything in between. Sexuality is all of these things, and so conversations about them must also be.

This book takes a close look at how girls of colour think, talk, and learn about sex and sexual ethics, how they navigate their developing sexuality through cultural stereotypes about sex and body image, and how they negotiate their sexual learning within a co-ed sex education classroom. While girls of colour are often pictured as at risk or engaged in risky behaviour, the analyses of focus groups and classroom discussions show not only girls’ vulnerabilities but their strengths as they work with integrating diverse identities, media messages, school policy and history into their understanding of the sexual world they are exposed to and a part of.

A guide to creating an open, shame-free connection with the young people in your world. These talks will help caregivers create the kind of bond that keeps kids safer, empowered, and returning to you for support along their journey. Over 150 conversation starters, reflection exercises, and activities you can begin implementing at every age and stage on topics such as: bodies, consent, pleasure, sex, menstruation, gender, sexual orientation, safe and unsafe touch, pornography, feelings, relationships, and media literacy. This inclusive, medically accurate, comprehensive guide is perfect for any parent or caregiver that’s ready to normalize the talks and be that trusted adult we all needed growing up.

A series of questions asked by young people and answered by a sex-positive parent, and given context by a sex educator. This book covers the topics of body, grooming, dating, sexual identity and more. This is not meant to be a comprehensive sex education guide, but rather a useful resource for questions that arise with young people and thoughtful ways to respond.

An intelligent and sensible blend of practical sexual health information for children and teens—and the adults who love them. Together, with a combined 40 years of experience, Noon and Hickling broach a host of topics including: gender identity and stereotypes, sexual diversity, sexual consent, bullying and harassment, fostering healthy body image, internet safety, managing media influence, pornography, sexual decision-making, and teaching sexual health to children and teens with disabilities. Not afraid of controversy and firm in her belief that knowledge is power, Noon’s broadly inclusive approach shines with the affirmation that every person—regardless of race, religion, age, ability, gender identity, gender expression and sexual attraction—deserves respect and the information that will keep them safe. This is the ultimate guide to teaching children about sexual health and is ideal for educators and parents alike.

Growing Up Game Plan is a six-week online masterclass for preteens on being more confident, more prepared and less stressed as they navigate life. We created this podcast to support parents to do the same. This podcast is the right place to be if you want to understand what preteens struggle with, you want to be proactive and stay one step ahead of teen angst, you want to have (or keep having) meaningful conversations with your preteen about growing up, and you’re looking for concrete, easy-to-implement tips on what to say and do.

Ever wonder why do boys DO that? Join co-hosts Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four boys, and Janet Allison, parenting coach & educator, as they explore and explain boy behaviour. Their weekly conversations include a healthy dose of humour and insight, and feature take-away tips you can use right now, at home or in the classroom, to help boys grow into healthy, happy men. Whether your boys are teens or toddlers, you’ll find a big dose of support, encouragement and camaraderie at On Boys.

Each week, educator Sarah Sproule answers parents’ questions about everything from bodies to babies, from puberty to privacy, from sex to Snapchat—and so much more. With humour, creativity and compassion, Sarah will help you become more comfortable and empowered to talk about sexuality, relationships & consent with your kid—and help you to raise a confident, caring young person who respects themselves and the people around them.

The Six Minute Sex Ed Podcast helps people talk openly about sex, relationships, and growing up. Created by sex education teacher Kim Cavill, Six Minute Sex Ed is the inclusive, informative, and sex positive sex education you always wanted.

Interested in learning or remembering about what happens during puberty and adolescence? Then listen to the Puberty Prof Podcast with Lori Reichel, a nationally recognized health educator. Episodes include solo shows, discussions with guests on specific pre-teen and teen experiences, interviews with people of all ages who not only survived their pre-teen and teen years, yet thrived, and shows in which questions are answered by Lori. Perfect for listening as a family, in a car, and anytime you have a few minutes.

A collection of short, animated videos for preteens on all-things sexual health and relationships.

Founder Rowena is passionate about what she does with the goal that open and positive conversations will normalize puberty, enrich relationships and help kids to make wise choices in the future.

Sex educator Amy Lang supports parents to talk openly and confidently with their kids about sexuality.

Founder Rosalia Rivera teaches parents how to confidently educate their children on body safety, boundaries and consent so that they can empower their children to prevent abuse.

Sexual Health Educator, co-host of Every Body Curious show. Her YouTube channel is a place where you can get tons of info on everything from teaching children about consent to putting on a dental dam.

Based in British Columbia, Canada, Options provides current sexual and reproductive health care, information, and education from a feminist, pro-choice, sex positive perspective.

An organization based in the UK helping parents to talk openly about sex, bodies, consent and relationships.outspokeneducation.com

Planned parenthood supports parents to have open, non-judgmental conversations with children about sex, puberty, bodies and relationships that will help them stay safe and healthy as they grow up. They show parents how to be their kid’s go-to resource for answers and advice, from pre-K to college.

An educator based in the UK helps parents learn to comfortably teach their kids about healthy sexuality.

Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults. A great resource for parents too.

An initiative of the Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Canada. A modern, trusted resource for all things sexual and reproductive health.

Cath Hakanson is a sex educator based in Australia supporting parents to talk to their kids about sex with honesty and openness.

Sex educator Melissa Pintor Carnagey provides excellent sex-positive education for parents and other caregivers on topics like bodies, consent and sexual health.

Jessica Wollen is a sexual health educator specializing teaching young people with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

This website is a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers on how to teach kids about sexual health and related topics from birth to 18 years old. It Includes lesson plans, fact sheets, tips and tools and much more.

Need to find out the meaning of a slang word your preteen is using or asking about? You’ll find your answer here.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Sexual Health Educator Tess’s uber-informative and fun TikTok videos and Instagram posts are a favourite.

Through online events, workshops and resources this organization works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.

A national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children. Offers online support and resources to families.

Pop ’n’ Olly is an LBGTQ+ inclusive collection of books and videos that teach kids about gender, equality and diversity.

BC’s Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre.

Jo Langford is a sex educator and therapist focusing on the intersection of adolescence, technology and sexuality. His podcast APPropriate keeps parents up to speed on the apps that preteens and teens are into.

A website featuring excellent articles on common concerns from parents such as social media use and online bullying.

Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services include phone, text/message and online chat support. Non-judgmental, inclusive services are available to young people and those who support them across Canada on topics such as bullying and abuse, friends and family and emotional well-being.

Canada’s centre for digital and media literacy. Provides great resources for parents.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Technology expert Jesse Miller has been providing social media education to schools and parents for over a decade.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, educator Merlyn Horton has been teaching online education, safety and awareness to parents, kids and teens for 20 years.