SHV Box Hill Clinic
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
901 Whitehorse Road Box Hill VIC 3128
shvic.org.au
1800 013 952
Our CBD clinic will be relocated to our Box Hill clinic from 28 May 2026. Learn more.
Sexual Health Victoria is a proud content partner for the Better Health Channel.
Better Health Channel provide quality, up to date, locally relevant, and easy to understand health and medical information. The aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people and the communities they live in.
The Better Health Channel is funded by the Victorian State Government. Sexual Health Victoria are one of the trusted content partners who contribute to the accuracy and relevance of information relating to sex, sexual health, sexuality and sexual development.
Summary
Masturbation is a safer form of sex that can be done individually or with a sexual partner/s with consent by all involved.
It’s a common sexual activity that can be done by any gender at any age.
When a person is familiar with their own sexual responses they are better able to communicate their wants and needs to a sexual partner.
Summary
The decision about whether a person is ready for sexual activity (or not) is theirs to make, based on what is right for them.
Sex is supposed to be a choice which makes a person feel good about themselves and their partner.
Affirmative consent legislation means that people engaging in sexual activity must take steps to seek consent. Consent is given when someone freely agrees to a sexual activity without feeling pressured, forced, threatened, or coerced. All parties must consent to any sexual activity.
Talking to children and young people about relationships, sex and sexuality
Summary
Parents and carers can encourage open and honest conversations with their child about relationships, sex and sexuality as early and as often as possible.
Have casual and frequent conversations – don’t make it a formal lecture. Be honest and provide as much information that is suitable for their age and stage of development.
Parents and carers, are one of the most influential role models for their children. When talking about relationships, sex and sexuality cover a broad range of topics, not just what resonates with personal values.
Establish ground rules about sexual behaviour in the home.
It is common for parents and carers to feel awkward or unsure when talking to their children about sex and sexuality. Avoiding the conversation will not stop young people from having sex or keep them safe.
Summary
Young people have to work through a broad range of issues as they move from childhood to adulthood. They may have to deal with changes to their bodies and their feelings and they may be thinking about having their first relationship or having a sexual experience.
Cognitive Disability and Sexuality
Summary
Summary
Talking to children with cognitive disability about sex
Summary
Sexual Health Victoria contribute to a range of Better Health Channel factsheets relating to contraception and pregnancy options.
To find more information search the Sexual Health Victoria Website or search the Better Health Channel website for keywords.
Better Health Channel (BHC) content reflects the wide range of health interests and needs in the community and is based on:
Health and medical information you can trust
BHC use a rigorous quality assurance and approval process to develop and review content, including consultation and input from subject matter experts, overview by the BHC Editorial team and referral to other areas of the Victorian Department of Health as required. Content Partners are subject matter experts from a wide range of reputable Australian health, medical and academic organisations.
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