Doing ‘IT‘

In this episode FPV Medical Director Dr Kathy McNamee explains the process of abortion. This is something that students in secondary school often ask about. Young people want to know about availability and privacy of abortion services. Kathy covers Australian laws around abortion, what might happen to someone’s body during an abortion and what support a person might need before and after an abortion. Resources: Go to FPV website. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service for information about sexual health choices and service providers. Marie Stopes is a national organisation providing sexual health and abortion services. The Royal Women’s Hospital has information about unplanned pregnancy. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion provides some historical context to the dangerous things women have tried over the centuries to end a pregnancy.

In this episode Anne talks with Family Planning Victoria Dr Sara Whitburn and pharmacist David from Woodhouse Grove Pharmacy about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy if no contraceptive protection was used, if the condom broke, or if a contraceptive pill was missed. It's yet another important part of the sexual health conversation parents and carers can have with their young people. Dr Sara talks about how emergency contraception works and David talks through the process of purchasing this at a pharmacy. Resources: We have information on the FPV website about contraception. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service which compiles information about sexual health choices and service providers. The Royal Women’s Hospital for information about asking a pharmacist for Emergency Contraception. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion provides some historical context to ending or preventing pregnancy.

In this episode Anne speaks to FPV's Dr Lucy Donovan, about preventing human immunodeficiency virus or HIV through the use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP and PEP are ways of using anti-viral medication to suppress HIV and stop its spread. PrEP and PEP might be used by people of all genders. Talking about these medications is an important part of a discussion about STI and BBV risk and safer sex practices. Many parents and carers aren't aware of how they are used, so here are the basics to get the conversation started. Resources: Search "PrEP" on FPV's website, You can get information on how to access PrEP and PEP in Australia at www.pan.org.au . Other Victorian websites to look up for information include Thorne Harbour Health and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.

In this episode Dr Suzanne Pearson from FPV talks through Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI's). Learning about STI's is part of gaining an understanding of sexual health. Suzanne talks about the effect of STI's when they are not diagnosed and the availability of treatment. Also, the importance for young people to be confident to ask for testing and being able to discuss testing status with sexual partners. Resources: See the FPV website about Sexually Transmissible Infections. Rosie Respect & Scarleteen are websites for young people providing information about sex and relationships, including information about STI’s. A GP or sexual health clinic such as Family Planning Victoria will have information on services for testing and treatment.

In this episode Dr Lona Brown from Family Planning Victoria talks about contraception. This is an important part of our secondary school sex education. Lona talks through up to date information about contraception, including efficacy, cost and privacy. It's important for young people to have this information, so they are able to be responsible for their own sexual health and support their sexual partners. Resources: See FPV website about contraception. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service which compiles information about sexual health choices and service providers. Jean Hailles for Women’s Health also has information. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion for some historical context to pregnancy prevention.

In this episode, FPV Chief Executive Officer, Claire Vissenga talks about pleasure. One of the most common reasons for people to choose a sexual relationship is the pursuit of pleasure. Yet discussions of pleasure are left out of curriculum and policy. Claire talks through FPV’s approach to this discussion and its importance. Resources listed in the podcast: World Health Organisation definition of sexual health. Research and recommendations about Sexuality Education see the UNESCO International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence-informed approach. Scarleteen has articles for young people on sexual health and sexual pleasure. Information about FPV school programs including resources and lesson plans go to the schools portal on the FPV website. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, Natalie from FPV talks us through inclusive language and how it applies to the way we talk about relationships and sexuality. In her work as Community Engagement and Health Promotions Officer, Natalie talks with many community groups to find out what is important to them, making FPV's services more inclusive and accessible. We discuss the importance of pronouns, define some key terms and are encouraged to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that we all carry. Enjoy! Resources listed in the podcast are: Tasmanian Education Department Guidelines for Inclusive Language. Australian Institute of Family Studies glossary of terms. Minus 18 has great resources for schools and families. The Diversity Council includes short videos about inclusive language in the workplace. Melbourne Bisexual Network for community led advocacy of bisexual+ health. Also see ACON Inclusive language guide. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, sexual health nurse Alison everything you ever wanted to know about condoms. As Educators, we are frequently asked to talk about condoms in our classes. Upper primary school children often have questions about them. Secondary school students get a lot more information about what condoms are, what they are used for and how to use them. We also discuss how to talk to young people about what to do if sex without a condom happens. Condoms are the only type of contraception that protects against both STI’s (sexually transmissible infections) and pregnancy. This is important information for everyone to know before they have a sexual experience. Enjoy! Resources: Access a wealth of information about condoms the FPV website or on the Kidshealth site. For more information about the sexual behaviour of young Australians have a look at the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2019. by Australian Research Centre into Sex Health and Society at La Trobe University. Or have a listen to our episode about this research here. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, we interview writer and LGBTIQ advocate Jac Tomlins. Jac has created a resource called Trans and Gender Diverse Parents Guide. In it, she records the experience of parenting as a transgender, gender diverse person or a person who is transitioning while parenting. These individual stories are published together to start building a picture of a collective experience and provide insights and advice for people within the community (LGBTIQ and more broadly). Children often have questions about what it means to be transgender and what that might mean for someone's fertility. This guide provides insight into this experience and guidance on ways to communicate this to young people. Enjoy! le. Resources: Information about Jac Tomlins at her website. The resource TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE PARENTS GUIDE available through Jac’s website also at Rainbow Families. The guide ends with a list of resources state by state, nationally and internationally, they include: Transgender Victoria; The Gender Centre; World Professional Association of Transgender Health. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us at [email protected].

In this episode, we interview Kate Bourne from the Victorian Assisted Reproduction Treatment Authority (VARTA). VARTA is responsible for the registration of reproductive clinics, public education, donor conception registers and can connect people with a sperm or egg donor. Statistically, there is a child in every class who was conceived through some kind of Assisted Reproductive Technology. When FPV run classes in primary school about making babies we talk about IVF and other types of Assisted Reproductive Technology. We think it is important that all types of conception are included. Kate discusses the role of VARTA, provides guidance about what to say to children about alternative methods of conception, and when to have those conversations. Enjoy! Resources: VARTA website for news about fertility, includes links to support groups. VARTA page titled When to tell: ages and stages giving detailed advice on how to tell children about IVF or ART at different ages. The Donor Conception Network for books to help explain different types of conception. Corey Silverberg’s book – What Makes A Baby is a great book to start a conversation about babies no matter how they were conceived. VARTA & FPV teaching module is a classroom resource to use for students grade 3- 10 when teaching about Assisted Reproductive Technology. More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au

In this episode, we interview Fiona Katauskas. Fiona is a cartoonist, author and illustrator. She is the artist behind The Amazing True Story of How Babies are Made, a popular book that has been animated into a three-part series for families and schools. Fiona has created a funny, accurate and inclusive narrative as a way to guide a conversation about how babies are made. Family Planning Victoria have endorsed the resource and we have seen first hand how classrooms of students react to its humour and honesty in such a positive way. In this episode we talk about the creative process of writing and animating this story and the reactions it has had. The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made is available in bookshops, and at Kmart. Online bookstore here. The animated series in 3 parts has it’s own webpage amazingbabies.tv. This is where to find the animations, extra family resources and teacher toolkit. For more information about us go to fpv.org.au.

In this episode, we talk to FPV’s Nurse Educator Sam Read. Young people often ask questions about sexual health information and seek information about how to protect their privacy. Sam talks about what it takes for a young person to get themselves to the doctor. What age can someone see a doctor on their own? Does a parent have to know if a young person has been prescribed contraception? What even is Medicare and the My Health record? Enjoy! Family Planning Victoria is one of several sexual health clinics available in Melbourne. There are other sexual health service providers in Melbourne and in capital cities as well as General Practitioners. Resources: Links for Medicare transfer forms. Information about my health record. The Better Health Channel and Headspace have great information about young people and going to the doctor. Vic Youth Law has legal information about sex and the law. For more information about us go to fpv.org.au.

In this episode, we interview Miller Soding from Minus 18. Minus 18 is an Australian youth driven network for LGTBIQ young people. They run events, workshops and provide advocacy resources. Minus 18 is an agency that young people might know about through school. In this discussion, Miller answers questions about the type of work Minus 18 do and why it is so important. She also talks about some logistics of events that parents and carers might want to know about if they have a young person attending an event. Enjoy! For more information about Minus 18 go to their website. They provide information for young people, created by young people that explains the whole rainbow, including past and future events. Have a look at their social media platforms here: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and twitter. For more information about Family Planning Victoria go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we speak with FPV educator Kit about consent. When do young people start to learn about consent? What should adults say about it? What does consent mean in a sexual relationship? What does the law say about consent? What does FPV say about consent in classes? Enjoy! Family Planning Victoria are based in Victoria and the age of consent laws we reference in this episode are Victorian laws. Please be aware that laws vary from state to state and internationally. Some resources we use in class to talk about consent include: Consent for Kids. Consent is like a cup of tea. Vic legal aid consent and the law Laci Green Consent 101. For more information about Family Planning Victoria go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we speak with Vanessa Hamilton from Talking the Talk. She discusses the clitoris: a body part that is often left out of the anatomy discussion. We talk about what it is, what young people need to know about it, what to say and when. Enjoy! FPV advocates for a pleasure positive approach to Relationships and Sexuality Education. We include information about the clitoris as part of anatomy classes in primary school so students have foundational information about bodies when learning about healthy sexual relationships in secondary school. More about Vanessa Hamilton at Talking The Talk. For more information on the clitoris Science Direct has really complete info. Australian Urologist Helen O'Connnell helped put the clitoris back into anatomy texts. Scarleteen has some information and some medical type drawings which explain where the clitoris sits within the body. This French animation mentioned is- Le clitoris - Animated Documentary (2016) by Lori Malépart-Traversy. Sophia Wallace is the artist who created the Clitoracy Project. More information about Family Planning Victoria@ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, we speak with Fida Sanjakdar. Fida is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University specializing in the intersection of culture, religion and sexuality education. Enjoy! See Fida's Monash University Biography. For more information on Victorian Education Department policies on Special Religious Instruction in government schools (link here). Relationships and Sexuality Education is written into both the Australian Curriculum and Child Safe Standards. Independent and Religious schools within Victoria align to these also, however some may have their own specific policies about religious instruction and sexuality education. If you are unsure of where your school stands on this, you may like to ask. More information about Family Planning Victoria @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, we speak with Holly Ann Martin. Holly Ann is Managing Director of Safe 4 Kids, a child abuse prevention program. Anne speaks with Holly Ann about the program and its impact in remote areas of northern Australia, where Holly Ann works with whole communities. Enjoy! For more information about Holly Ann visit the Safe 4 Kids website. You can find an online shop here to purchase books and resources. Video resources available on the Safe 4 Kids YouTube channel. Here you can see tutorials, testimonials and examples of the work being done by her in schools. Holly Ann mentioned a helpful book by Tess Rowley to introduce protective education to small children– Everyone’s Got a Bottom. More information about Family Planning Victoria @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, we speak with Jenny Walsh. Jenny has been working in the field of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in Australia and internationally for over 25 years. She is a former senior member of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. She has authored resources and curriculum such as Catching on Early and Catching on Later which have been used by teachers to deliver RSE curriculum. Jenny tells us what has changed and what has stayed the same in Relationships and Sexuality Education. Enjoy! Jenny Walsh has a website with her contact details and links to many of the resources she has developed such as: The practical Guide to Love Sex and Relationships animations; Talk Soon Talk Often guide for parents and carers; Catching On Early curriculum resource. These are free to download and use. More information about Family Planning Victoria @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, we chat with Christopher Fisher. Chris is the Associate Professor at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University. Chris provides a summary of his findings within the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2019 about the sexual health knowledge and sexual behaviours of Australian students in grades 10 to 12. Enjoy! Resources and the survey discussed in the podcast are: Here is a link to Australian Research Centre into Sex Health and Society where many publications relating to the opinions and practices of Australians are linked. Here is a link directly to the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2019. For international research and information UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2017 published a document detailing how international research informs best practice in Relationships and sexuality Education. International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence-informed approach More information about Family Planning Victoria @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode, we speak to Kardie from FPV’s Schools and Community team. Kardie works with young people with cognitive disability to help guide them through puberty and how to have respectful relationships. We talk about what young people with cognitive disability need to know about puberty, when they need to know it and how their experience may be the same or different to their neuro-typical peers. Enjoy! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Amaze.org.au has partnered with FPV and Cottons to provide a resource explaining menstruation with a social script and illustrations. Better Health has information about puberty and young people with cognitive disability. Speak Up And Be Safe is a website with downloadable communication aids specifically about body safety. Some books about puberty are: Special Secret Girls Business; Special Secret Boys Business. More information about FPV including information about talking to children with cognitive disability about sex and easy English fact sheet go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we talk about masturbation. Parents and carers often have questions about how and when to talk to young people about masturbation. Anne records this episode on her own. Enjoy! Resources listed in the podcast are: Better Health Channel has some information about masturbation. Amaze.org have a cute video about masturbation as well as a bunch of other resources on YouTube. Books about young people and sexuality or puberty often contain information about masturbation. Transcript available here.

In this episode, we discuss how to talk with young people about sex. Talking about sex often accompanies discussions about puberty in mid-primary school classes, prompting further questions at home. Parents and carers might find it difficult to know what to say. Schools Educator Athi joins Anne to share some wisdom on how to start or continue these conversations at home. Enjoy!. Suggested resources for the podcast: "What Makes a Baby" by Cory Silverberg is a really gentle introduction to the idea that the sperm and egg join and that's how a baby starts. "Mummy Laid an Egg" by Babbette Cole is a really great picture book for younger children. "The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made' by Fiona Katasukus available as a book and a 3 part animation. The Australian Research Center, in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University publish research about sexual behavior of young people. Transcript available here.

In this episode, we talk about periods. FPV Schools Education Manager Bonnie talks through the common questions that young people have about periods. How they work, myths and realities, talking about and managing periods. This episode is a part of a series about puberty. Enjoy! Suggested resources from the podcast: Kotex is a company that will send out free pads and tampons ubykotex.com.ou. Cottons also have information about periods and starter kits from $5. Family Planning Victoria have partnered with Cottons to create a guide for young people with autism on how to manage periods. You can find that at amaze.org.au. You can find out more information about menstrual cups at lunette.com.au. Modibodi is the Australian period underwear company. kidshealth.org Has great information for helping to explain how periods work. In class, we use a video from Jean Hailles for women's health. Go to Jeanhailles.org.au. For more information about us, you can go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we talk about sperm production. FPV Schools Educator Rael explains what we should say to students about bodies as they start to produce sperm during puberty. This episode is a part of a series about puberty. Enjoy! Suggested resources from the podcast: Puberty Boy by Geoff Price. Secret Boys' Business by Fay Angelo, Rose Stewart and Heather Pritchard. Amaze.org have a YouTube channel, and they have a really great video that we use in class to explain wet dreams. For more information about Family Planning Victoria go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we talk about young people and body image. As young people go through puberty, their body is likely to go through big changes. FPV Schools educator Andrea will talk about how to support your young person to feel confident about the body they are in as they navigate these changes. This episode is a part of a series about puberty. Enjoy! Suggested resources from the podcast: Secret Guide to Girls Stuff by Caz Cooke has excellent advice for girls about body image, the Kidshealth.org website has really good information about teens and body image also Kids Helpline has lots of great advice for developing positive body image. For more information about us you can have a look at our website FPV.org.au

In this episode, we talk about ways young people can take care of their bodies as they go through puberty. Young people need to understand the basics of how bodies work and how to manage changes like body odour and pimples. As they through puberty they are likely to want more independence privacy. In this episode, FPV Schools Educator Sue talks about what young people need to know about taking care of their own body. This episode is a part of a series about puberty. Enjoy! Suggested resources from the podcast: Raisingchildren.net.au has some information, so does Kids Spot. For more information about Family Planning Victoria go to fpv.org.au

In this episode, we talk to FPV Schools Team Manager Bonnie about puberty. What do young people want to know? When do parents and carers need to talk about this? What are the changes that happen in puberty? We tackle the common questions in this episode. This episode is a part of a series about puberty. Enjoy! Suggested resources from the podcast: Books about puberty, Puberty Boy or Puberty Girl by Geoff Price. Secret Boys, Secret Girls Business. Kidshealth.org, Raising Children have puberty information and so does Better Health. If you want more information about Family Planning Victoria programs, please go to our website, fpv.org.au.

Introducing Doing 'IT'! A new podcast from Family Planning Victoria. Listen to the experts as we discuss all things Relationships and Sexuality Education. Including: bodies, growing up, being safe, puberty, sex, identity, relationships, sexuality and sexual health. We know some parents and carers may find it difficult to have conversations about these topics with the young people in their lives. Having open and honest communication empowers young people to look after themselves in life and relationships. Doing ‘IT’ provides tips and resources to help parents, carers and teachers to start or continue these conversations. Enjoy! Family Planning Victoria