Promoting healthy sexuality: guidelines for the school-age child and adolescent

The purpose of this article is to provide the clinician with practical information to promote the healthy sexuality of the school-age child through adolescence. Much of the current literature related to sexuality is problem-focused; this article focuses on sexuality from a health promotion viewpoint. The development of a healthy sexuality is a life-long process with different issues and problems pertaining to each age group. Issues common to the school-age child and adolescent include changing physical characteristics and body image concerns. A set of guidelines has been developed that can be used in the clinical setting. In order to follow a holistic approach to health promotion with these age groups, the clinician must address sexuality. These guidelines will provide the information the clinician will need to initiate a discussion about sexuality. Patient education guidelines are also presented that will help the parent, child, and adolescent in sexual issues and understanding. Suggested reading materials about sexuality are also presented.