Results: This survey is about the appropriate age to have "the conversation" about certain subjects that kids will have to learn on the road to adulthood. NOTE: Ages of children and how they align with school grades may differ. Choose your best answer.
Published on 09/07/2025
There has been a series of surveys from one company recently that ask for the bulk of the questions to be answered by a child or young adult in the household. Most of the surveys are about brand recognition but even those ones ask questions about sexuality and ethnicity which some parents may think are inappropriate for someone who is barely into their teens or even younger. The one today asked about illegal use of drugs and listed about 40 or them including their street names. They also asked about financial planning tools that would be of no interest to a 13 year old - or would they? This got me thinking about what is or should be the appropriate age to discuss some of these subject with our children. What do TW members think?
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
I have a 11 years old grandson and a 13 years old granddaughter. The household is quite open about most issues, especially if the child(ren) have questions about the subject. But they may not ask and the parents may have to introduce the subject. Lets start with illegal substances (and even the legal ones such as cigarettes and alcohol.) By when is it appropriate to discuss this even if the child hasn't broached the subject?
As soon as the child has shown any interest in the subject or commented about it. The amount of information provided must reflect the age, interest level and the level of maturity the child has displayed on the subject. Parents must discuss this with themselves to make sure they are on the same wavelength about this.
37%
672 votes
Regardless of the above, a discussion about the difference between types of drugs and their uses and abuses should begin before age 10.
24%
426 votes
A more in depth discussion about the difference between types of drugs and their uses and abuses should begin before after age 10 but before age 13. (around junior high level?)
20%
364 votes
This discussion is more appropriate for high school and college. Not before age 14. It is the responsibility of the educational facility to teach this.
5%
97 votes
The kids will find out eventually and I trust them to make the right decisions.
5%
81 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
12 votes
Not Applicable
34%
616 votes
- 80% parents and 20% the school.
- MORE PARENTS BUT SCHOOLS SHOULD TEACH IT AS WELL
- Don't leave it to the school or the peers to teach them.
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.36% | 6 | |
| no kids, so no clue | 0.06% | 1 |
| It is the parents that should have this discussion with their children. | 0.06% | 1 |
| With todays social media and internet the kids already know. | 0.06% | 1 |
| It depends - one never knows at what stage children have discussed these topics given their access to iPhones | 0.06% | 1 |
| All are good but needs to be on their maturity at any age | 0.06% | 1 |
| Each child is an individual, while one may be more grown up another may remain childish for a longer time, that's OK they just at their own rate. Watch them and when they are showing interest talk to them, if they see you smoking tell them no no | 0.06% | 1 |
2.
2.
Lets now move to sexual matters. By when is it appropriate to discuss this even if the child hasn't broached the subject?
As soon as the child has shown any interest in the subject or commented about it. The amount of information provided must reflect the age, interest level and the level of maturity the child has displayed on the subject. Parents must discuss this with themselves to make sure they are on the same wavelength about this.
37%
660 votes
Regardless of the above, a discussion about the difference between types of sexuality and their impact on life choices should begin before age 10.
18%
331 votes
A more in depth discussion about this subject should begin after age 10 but before age 13. (around junior high level?)
23%
405 votes
This discussion is more appropriate for high school and college. Not before age 14. It is the responsibility of the educational facility to teach this.
6%
114 votes
The kids will find out eventually and I trust them to make the right decisions.
3%
53 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
13 votes
Not Applicable
34%
603 votes
- 50/50
- MORE PARENTS ALSO SCHOOL TO DEGREE
- It's more of the parents responsibility
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.32% | 5 | |
| Depends on the child's maturity level | 0.06% | 1 |
| no kids, no clue | 0.06% | 1 |
| this is a parent's responsibility | 0.06% | 1 |
| I differ from most people - I believe the earlier kids learn about sexuality the fewer problems later on. This is the approach taken in the Netherlands and it works well. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Kids already know by age 10 because of peers and internet. | 0.06% | 1 |
| Again, all are giod, but other than what can be taught in science and gym classes should be the decision of the parents | 0.06% | 1 |
| Sixteen is generally the age children take on an interest in dating. Make sure they understand they can say NO | 0.06% | 1 |
| Had the "birds & bees" talk at age 9, because period started then. | 0.06% | 1 |
3.
3.
Regardless of your answers to the previous two subjects, does the same reasoning apply to a discussion of religions (plural) ?
Yes
33%
587 votes
No
14%
245 votes
Undecided
19%
344 votes
Not Applicable
35%
624 votes
- All the key religions and their similarities.
- All
- talk about them all
4.
4.
Regardless of your answers to the first two subjects, Does the same reasoning apply to a discussion about politics ?
Yes
26%
475 votes
No
19%
348 votes
Undecided
19%
333 votes
Not Applicable
36%
644 votes
- None the school will brainwash them anyway.
- Too many questions for a measly 5 points. You've been on here a long time, you should know better!!
- Democrat
5.
5.
Looking back to your own childhood, was there something that wasn't discussed enough or at all that you now wish had been discussed in more detail? Comments?
Yes
32%
567 votes
No
23%
415 votes
Undecided
16%
292 votes
Not Applicable
29%
526 votes
COMMENTS