By Ewere Okonta

In today’s increasingly permissive world, silence is no longer golden—especially when it comes to the sexuality of our children. It is time we stopped whispering about sex education and started shouting about it in our homes, classrooms, churches, and communities.

This is not just a parenting issue. This is a societal emergency. The moral, physical, and psychological safety of our children hangs in the balance.

The honest answer is: as early as possible. If a child can talk, a child can learn. The age of innocence is shrinking. Children are exposed to explicit content through smartphones, social media, cartoons, and even in so-called “safe spaces” like homes, schools, or places of worship. That’s the hard truth we must confront. Waiting until puberty to start the conversation is not just outdated – it is dangerous.

Sex education is not about teaching children how to have sex. It is about teaching them about their bodies, their rights, boundaries, consent, and how to speak up when something feels wrong. It is about demystifying the myths and breaking the cycle of shame that predators have exploited for generations.

For far too long, society has treated sex education like a pink-labeled product, targeting only the girl child. But the predators don’t discriminate. Recent studies have shown a disturbing rise in cases of sexual abuse involving boys—cases that are underreported due to stigma, fear, and societal neglect. We cannot continue to raise our sons with silence and our daughters with suspicion.

Both boys and girls deserve equal protection, information, and empowerment. They are children, not gender roles. Let’s stop gendering their safety.

Child molestation is a silent epidemic. It cuts across religion, class, and culture. From the quiet Sunday school teacher to the loud uncle at family gatherings, the faces of abuse are varied and often familiar. Abuse does not always wear a monster’s mask. Sometimes, it smiles, gives gifts, and even quotes scripture.

The consequences of child sexual abuse are lifelong—trauma, depression, shame, distrust, broken self-esteem, and in some cases, suicide. The damage is not just physical. It’s spiritual, emotional, and generational.

We must demand that the law takes this issue seriously. Child sexual abuse should carry maximum penalties. There should be no plea deals, no cover-ups, and no hiding behind the cloak of religion, reputation, or family name. Enough is enough.

A child is anyone under the age of 18. Simple. Clear. And deserving of absolute protection.

Children cannot consent. Children are not “asking for it.” Children are not “seductive.” That language must die. Children must be nurtured, not violated. The innocence of a child is sacred. Our job as adults is to preserve it, not exploit it.

Everyone. Parents are the first line of defense. Don’t outsource the education of your child’s body and identity to the internet or strangers. Talk to your children. Use correct terms for body parts. Teach them how to say “No.” Make them feel safe telling you anything without fear of punishment.

Teachers must be trained to recognize signs of abuse and create open environments for children to speak. Churches, mosques, and religious leaders must stop treating sexuality as taboo. If the Bible or Quran talks about sex, why can’t the pastor or Imam talk to the children about it too – honestly and responsibly?

The government must strengthen institutions that protect children and prosecute offenders. Schools should integrate comprehensive sexuality education into their curriculum. NGOs must push the conversation beyond the urban elite to the most rural communities where abuse often thrives unreported.

Start Early: Begin with age-appropriate sex education as soon as the child starts learning to speak.

Use the Right Language: Teach children to name their body parts correctly.

Promote Consent Culture: Even among siblings and cousins, teach the value of consent.

Normalize Reporting: Create safe spaces for children to report without fear or shame.

 Empower Law Enforcement: Equip police, teachers, and caregivers with training and legal tools.

 Involve Faith-Based Institutions: Sermons must include messages on child protection.

Community Watchdogs: Encourage neighborhood vigilance and reporting.

This is not just about protecting the child. It’s about preserving the soul of our society. The child you protect today is the adult who will lead tomorrow. The silence of one adult empowers one predator. The courage of one parent can save an entire generation.

Ewere Okonta writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.