What happens when the internet becomes your child’s first teacher about sexuality?

In this episode of Parenting Reboot, I sit down with Ramya Anand, co-lead at TARSHI, an organization that has spent nearly three decades reshaping how India approaches sexuality education, gender and reproductive health.

Her message is simple, but not easy: if parents don’t talk about sexuality, the internet will.

And the internet doesn’t always get it right.

From unrealistic body standards to misinformation around consent and relationships, young people today are forming their understanding of sexuality in fragmented, often unsafe ways. What they need instead is context, trust, and conversation.

We talk about

* Why “one big talk” doesn’t work—and what to do instead

* How to introduce age-appropriate conversations without awkwardness

* The role of consent, agency, and safety in both online and offline spaces

* Practical resources for parents navigating these conversations

“Sexuality is an intrinsic part of our lives,” Ramya reminds us. Which means silence doesn’t protect our children—preparation does.

Digital Safety: Understanding Key Concepts

As children engage with digital media, parents must educate them on critical concepts related to digital safety, consent, agency, and access.

Access: Understanding what content is accessible to them and recognizing safe versus unsafe information.

Consent: Teaching children about consent in both online and offline interactions is vital. Encourage discussions about boundaries, respect, and communication.

Agency: Empowering children to ask questions and express their feelings about what they encounter online fosters autonomy.

Resources for Parents

To aid in these conversations, resources such as age-appropriate books and guides can be invaluable. For instance, TARSHI has developed a series of colored books that cater to different age groups, helping parents navigate discussions with ease.

The Yellow Book: Designed for parents, it offers tools and tips for discussing sexuality with children.

The Red (10-14 years) and Blue Books (age 14+): Tailored for older kids and teens, these resources delve deeper into complex topics surrounding sexuality and relationships, providing a framework for parents to support their adolescent children.

This episode is not about having all the answers. The digital world is evolving, and so must our approach to discussing sexuality. This isn’t just about biology; it’s about understanding our bodies, relationships, and choices in a nuanced way. It’s about becoming a parent your child can come to with questions.

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