Sowledge’s sex education toilet paper creates safer environments for children

Having early conversations about sex with your children helps them learn about their bodies in a biological context. It also helps them learn why they have to take care of themselves. However, teaching your children about sex can be difficult. If you are not sure where to start, why not do it from your home toilet? A group of concerned young people called Sowledge came up with the idea of toilet paper printed with cute illustrations and information about sex education.

Getting the message out using toilet paper could be a big advantage, as it is something that is in almost all households. Sowledge explains that a bathroom is usually a private space, making it perfect for individuals to sink deeply into their thoughts. That way, children can have easy, private and repeated access to sex education information in the comfort of their own homes.

Sowledge spreading knowledge for a sexually safe society

Under the current Japanese educational curriculum, children start learning about the basic facts of puberty at school around ten years of age. However, the same curriculum does not include the biological details of reproduction. Therefore, even in junior high and high school, children lack significant details of sex education, let alone how to use contraception.

A survey about sex education in Japan revealed that 65% of respondents aged under 34 had learned the word “sex” by the time they turned 12. Additionally, the survey revealed that they found out about sex mainly from friends (31%) and comic books (18%). This means that children can be susceptible to erroneous or misleading information rather than being properly educated at school.

Sowledge’s printed toilet paper contains biological details of male and female bodies, as well as body boundaries. With comic-book-style illustration and straightforward explanation, children can learn that everyone has private parts that no one else should intervene with. If someone else tries to touch or see those parts, children should refuse, run away, or ask for help from adults they can trust. Educating children about sexual abuse helps them protect themselves, and also gives them language to talk about the issue.

Children in need deserve the same education and protection

While the toilet paper is available for purchase on Sowledge’s website, the organization is also committed to reaching out to children from difficult backgrounds. In August, the organization started crowdfunding so they could donate the products to child cafeterias, where they have access to complimentary or inexpensive meals, that are located in many parts of Japan. By the end of August, the organization successfully completed the crowdfunding, hitting 110% of its 5 million yen target.

Sowledge believes that easy access to sex education is critical to protect all children from sexual abuse and unwanted trauma. Moreover, continuous conversations help establish trust and safe environments where children can open up about their issues. With the successful results of their crowdfunding, Sowledge is making tangible progress in protecting children.