The Hidden Struggles of Sex Education for Parents: Why It's So Hard to Talk About Sex (Even Online)

If you're a parent, you might have noticed something strange happening online: certain words just can't be said. I’m not talking about offensive language or inappropriate slurs. I'm talking about words like sex and porn—basic parts of human life that are essential to discuss, especially when it comes to your child’s safety and well-being. But when it comes to talking openly about sex education for kids, these words seem to be hidden behind a veil of censorship and stigma. It’s frustrating, and yes, even a little embarrassing.

Let me explain. I had the humbling experience of first encountering these "coded" terms while scrolling through TikTok. I saw people using words like “corn” for porn and “seggs” for sex. At first, I had to stop and think, “What is going on here?” It took me a moment to decode it. It was as if the very mention of sex had to be softened, disguised, and avoided.

While I completely respect the efforts to protect kids from harmful content online, there’s a significant downside to this well-intentioned censorship. As a sex educator, I’ve experienced firsthand how platforms shut down my content simply because I speak openly about sex education. And it’s not just about the word "sex"—it’s the combination of words like "child" and "sex" that make algorithms go haywire, flagging my messages as inappropriate or explicit.

This is a huge challenge for anyone trying to talk honestly about important issues, especially when it comes to educating parents about how to empower their children with healthy, comprehensive sex education.

Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Sex Education?

It’s almost as if society has decided that sex is too uncomfortable to talk about, especially when it comes to kids. And let’s be honest—this creates an enormous problem. Parents want the best for their children, and they want to make sure their kids are safe, knowledgeable, and confident. But without proper guidance and resources, how are they supposed to navigate these incredibly important conversations?

The truth is, there’s not enough good, reliable information available to parents who want to teach their children about sex in a healthy, positive, and age-appropriate way. My own research—and the feedback I get from parents—shows that many are left in the dark, struggling to find accurate resources. The reason? People like me—sex educators who truly want to help—are being silenced by social media algorithms.

Take the example of a fellow sex educator I follow. She works tirelessly to create high-quality, free video content for parents on YouTube. Anyone who has tried to create consistent video content knows it’s an enormous amount of work. Her goal? To educate parents and to hopefully get paid for her time and effort. But here’s the catch: despite offering incredibly valuable educational content, her videos are flagged as "18 and older" content. Why? Because they discuss topics related to sex. As a result, she can’t monetize her channel, and her content is no longer being promoted to new audiences. This is exactly what’s happening to me, too.

I’ve poured countless hours into creating resources for parents who are desperate for answers, yet my content is either hidden or marked as inappropriate simply because it’s related to sex education. That’s right—just talking about the subject of sex means my content is immediately silenced.

The Larger Problem: A Society That Avoids and Stigmatizes Sexual Health Education

It begs the question: How did we get here? How have we reached a point where sex education is not only avoided in real-life conversations but also censored in online spaces? The stigma surrounding sex education has become so entrenched that even educators who are trying to help are being pushed out of the conversation.

I know that for many, the idea of talking about sex with kids feels uncomfortable. It feels taboo, even dangerous. I get it. But here’s the thing: sex education is not just important—it’s essential for your child’s confidence, safety, and well-being. It helps children build a solid foundation for healthy relationships, respect for their own bodies, and an understanding of their personal boundaries. It’s not just about teaching them the facts; it’s about equipping them with the tools to navigate the world safely.

Without proper education, kids are left to figure it out on their own, often through harmful sources like the internet, peers, or even pornography. This can lead to confusion, unhealthy relationships, and unsafe situations. That’s why it’s so important for you, as a parent, to take charge of this conversation. But how do you do that when the very platforms we rely on to share information—like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram—are actively suppressing the content you need to educate your child?

The Struggle for Sex Educators Like Me

Every day, I face challenges when it comes to sharing the knowledge and resources I’ve created. The algorithms that power social media platforms often flag my content as "explicit" or "inappropriate" simply because I’m using words like sex and education. I know many parents are looking for reliable, trustworthy resources to support them in raising healthy, informed children. But without the ability to share that content freely, it becomes an uphill battle.

The frustrating part? This is not a problem that can be solved by simply avoiding the topic. The more we hide and silence these conversations, the more harm we do. Children need to feel empowered to ask questions, explore their identities, and understand their bodies and relationships in a safe, open environment. As parents, it’s your job to provide that environment—and you can’t do that if the resources you need are hidden or suppressed.

How Can You Support Your Child with Sex Education?

Here’s the good news: There are resources out there, and you don’t have to navigate this challenge alone. Educators like me are working hard to offer clear, accessible, and trustworthy content for parents who want to have these important conversations. We are here, and we are ready to help.

But we need you to find us.

Despite the struggles, I am committed to ensuring that parents have the tools they need to raise empowered, informed children. I’ve created a curriculum that provides the right resources for parents who want to foster healthy, open discussions about sexuality with their kids. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

The Takeaway: It’s Time to Break the Silence

The online world may be trying to silence these conversations, but we, as parents and educators, cannot afford to stay quiet. This isn’t just about education—it’s about your child’s future. It’s about their safety, their confidence, and their understanding of their bodies and relationships. The stigma around sex education must end, and it starts with us—parents and educators—choosing to speak up, to share, and to empower.

So, if you’re ready to start those important conversations with your child, I’m here for you. Let’s break the silence together.

Will you help me find a way to empower your child with the knowledge they need to thrive?

Let’s Talk.