My daughter has a subscription to Teen Vogue, and when I recently came across an article titled “Anal Sex: What You Need to Know,” my immediate reaction was not panic about her potentially experimenting with risky behaviors. Instead, I thought, “Great! This could spark a vital conversation.”
While the article has generated quite a bit of controversy, I refuse to join the ranks of those who would boycott the magazine. I certainly won’t be filming myself burning a copy in protest like some misguided activists. It’s time to acknowledge that teens are talking about sex—often more than we realize—and attempting to shield them from these discussions is unrealistic.
Teen Vogue has consistently empowered young people to explore their bodies and make informed choices. If our children are curious about anal sex, they deserve to receive accurate information. Unfortunately, they may not always turn to trusted sources for this knowledge. Thus, having educational content in a widely-read publication is a brilliant idea. The article begins with a powerful statement: “When it comes to your body, it’s important that you have the facts.” Yes! A round of applause for Teen Vogue.
Anal and oral sex are part of the spectrum of sexual experiences, and it would be naive to assume our kids will only engage in traditional forms of intercourse. The truth is, there is a dearth of educational resources on these topics, particularly for teenagers. The article points out that while there’s plenty of information online, much of it is either pornographic or aimed at experienced individuals. What about the teenagers and LGBTQ youth who need this information for their sexual health?
We must confront these subjects rather than ignore or dismiss them. Yes, discussing them may make us uncomfortable, but avoiding such conversations only deprives our children of crucial knowledge. I would much rather navigate these awkward discussions with my kids than leave them to learn from their peers—who might not have the most reliable information—or from narrow-minded figures.
Let’s face it: curiosity about sex begins well before age 25 for most teens. Why not create a safe space for them to explore these topics openly? Teen Vogue’s Digital Editorial Director, Alex Martinez, rightly noted that “EDUCATION doesn’t equal ENCOURAGEMENT.” Education is simply that—an opportunity for learning. When our kids are informed, they are more likely to feel confident about their bodies and the choices they make.
So, yes, I will continue my daughter’s subscription to Teen Vogue. We will read it together and discuss its content because I refuse to let her rely solely on her friends for sex education. Besides, this is a chance for me to provide accurate information while fostering an environment where she feels comfortable discussing anything on her mind.
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In conclusion, maintaining an open dialogue with our children about all aspects of sex is crucial. It empowers them with knowledge and fosters a culture of safety and understanding.