External Resources

Internet Sites for Children

The internet contains a wealth of information on human sexuality, but it can sometimes be difficult to determine which sites are appropriate for older children and young adolescents.

Children don't need to be overwhelmed with vast amounts of information; they require accurate, straightforward answers to their questions about sexuality and puberty.

A child of 10 or 11 will not be asking the same questions as a 15 or 16 year old, and so websites that address sexuality issues must tailor their information for the maturity level of their audiences.

Internet sites for the pre- and early-adolescent age group should answer basic questions about the emotional, physical and social changes associated with puberty and adolescence, with varying degrees of detail.

The following sites were specifically designed for older children and young adolescents. Some of the sites use interactive, animated features to present layered information, giving the user basic information and the option to find out more. While these sites are designed for children to navigate on their own, parents and teachers can continue the learning process by encouraging discussion about the information presented.

If children are left with unanswered questions after visiting one the following sites, then sites recommended in the teen section may be more appropriate.

Recommended Sites:

Yuckiest Site on the Internet/ Discovery Kids
	From the Discovery Channel, the Yuckiest Site on the internet answers kids questions about bodily functions. The “Ask Wendell” feature presents a question and answer format that includes a discussion on growing up. The basic physical changes of puberty are also covered in the section on the endocrine system. The Teacher Centre includes teaching strategies to accompany related units for grades K-8.
KidsHealth (For Kids Section) (Nemours Foundation, U.S. - Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media)
	This site includes information on various health issues for kids in the form of questions and answers, articles, games and animations. Subjects covered include how the body works, health problems of kids and grown-ups, staying healthy and dealing with feelings. For older kids, the “Growing Up” section discusses the emotional and physical changes that boy and girls experience during puberty. The information is prepared by medical experts and regularly updated and revised. The Nemours Foundation also offers sites for teens (http://kidshealth.org/teen/) and parents (http://kidshealth.org/parent/).
BAM - Body and Mind
	The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services created this site for kids aged 10 to 13. The focus of this site is on physical and emotional health, and covers topics such as healthy eating, exercise, peer pressure, bullying and media literacy. The “Body Smartz” section covers some of the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, but there is little sexuality related information. The links section leads users to sites that provide a more in-depth discussion of the physical changes of puberty.
GirlsHealth.gov (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
	Designed for girls between the ages of 10 and 16, this site focuses on health and social issues (i.e. relationships, body, drugs & alcohol) and does not address sexuality directly. The parent and educator sections include teaching tips, resources and links.
Odyssey of Life
	This website from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the U.S. was designed to accompany the Nova programme, Odyssey of Life. Video clips show the development of a pig, chicken, fish and human embryo. Also included on the site are discussions about evolution. The material is appropriate for middle school and high school students.
The Hormone Factory
	The Hormone Factory was developed by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia. It is described as a site for 10- to 12-year-old kids who “might have questions about sex.” The site uses flash technology to enable users to select the questions they want answered and to access the amount of information they need by choosing the “tell me more” option. Information ranges from the basic physical and emotional changes kids experience at puberty to discussions about sexual intercourse, masturbation and pregnancy. There is an accompanying site for parents and teachers that offers practical information on puberty and sexual health issues for adolescents.
LifeBytes (Department of Health, U.K., Dept. of Education and Employment, U.K.)
	LifeBytes is designed for children between the ages of 11 to 14. It is one of four health information sites produced by the U.K. Departments of Health and Education and Employment. Other sites exist for the age groups 5-7 (www.welltown.gov.uk), 7-11 (www.galaxy-h.gov.uk), and 14-16 (www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk). Each site supports the goals of the U.K. government’s National Healthy Schools Programme and the National Curriculum. LifeBytes covers topics such as drugs, alcohol, sex and relationships, mental health and healthy eating. While the information presented is simple, the topics covered go beyond basic biological changes of puberty to include issues such as peer pressure, sexual health and making choices about having sex. The site encourages children to talk to health professionals, parents and teachers about their questions and concerns. Links to other credible health sites are provided.
AYN Health Centre (Aboriginal Youth Network)
	This site is created by and for aboriginal youth and provides detailed information on a range of topics including puberty, sex, pregnancy, abuse, and addictions. The content is more appropriate for more mature users.
Facts of Life (created on behalf of Child Growth Foundation, UK)
	The intended audience for this website is children in the 11 to 14 age group. The content supports the science and physical education curriculae in the UK. The physical and emotional changes of puberty are presented through the use of interactive graphics, animations and quizzes. Users are directed to other sites for more detailed information on contraception and sexual health.
Girl Power
	Girl Power is a U.S. government sponsored site designed to encourage healthy living strategies among 9- to 13-year-old girls. Topics covered in the site include fitness, nutrition, body image, eating disorders, and physical changes at puberty.
Kids’ Health (Child and Youth Health)
	Kids’ Health is sponsored by the Australian health agency, Child and Youth Health, and is designed for 6 to 12 year olds. The site covers issues related to family, school, nutrition, puberty and feelings. The “Nearly Teens” section includes basic information on sexual feelings, sexual reproduction, puberty, smoking, drugs and alcohol. There are some interactive features such as games and crossword puzzles, and the site includes drawings, poems, and comments by children.
BBC / Human Body and Mind: Puberty Demo
	This interactive feature on the BBC Science and Nature website demonstrates the physical changes that occur during puberty. The text that accompanies the graphics offers links to other sections of the BBC site that focus on teen related issues.

Last Modified: October 12, 2007