Teenage Masturbation What Parents Need To Know

It’s possible that as a parent you have no idea that your adolescent is masturbating. Learn more about teenage masturbation and what parents need to know about it.

Masturbation is a regular part of a child’s exploration of their body, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and most teens engage in it.

Some parents worry about how much time their teen spends alone, whether it’s in the bedroom or when taking long showers. This is completely normal and completely understandable. You may also be concerned about whether or not your adolescent would harm their private parts if they masturbate excessively.

Teenage masturbation is often not a cause for concern. Masturbation may be a serious issue for teenagers, and parents need to be aware of these warning signals.

Sexual Exploration in Adolescence

While going through puberty, young girls tend to become more interested in their changing bodies and how they work. Boys and girls aged 14-17 who participated in a recent study acknowledged masturbating at 80% and 48%, respectively. As far as frequency goes, it can range from a few times per year to several times each day, depending on the individual teen.

According to pediatricians, masturbation frequency might alter over time based on changes in a teenager’s sexual sensations and curiosity.

Talking To Your Adolescent

When discussing sex with teenagers, it’s preferable not to avoid the subject of masturbation. Be yourself as a parent, and don’t be afraid to express yourself in your unique way.

Masturbation should not be discussed in detail, but your teen must know that you will not invade their privacy and you care about your teen’s development as a sexual person.

Your teen needs to realize that it’s not a shameful hobby to examine one’s own body. Masturbation is a private behavior, and your teen needs to recognize that. Masturbation is something your adolescent is unlikely to admit to you, and you have no business asking or pressuring them to do so.

Indications of Impending Doom

There are some worrying trends in adolescent masturbation that you should be aware of as a parent.

Embarrassment and bullying related to masturbation can be minimized or eliminated if your teen has been spied on, recorded, or bullied about masturbation. As you stand by your adolescent, remind them they are not to blame for the bullying.

In some cases, an over-the-counter lubricant can be used to alleviate discomfort caused by stimulation. A good idea for parents who don’t want to disgrace their teenagers is to leave an unnoticed bottle of lubricant on their nightstand in the medical cabinet.

For example, an instrument used for masturbation can become trapped during vaginal or anal stimulation and cause physical harm. No strings are attached when making an appointment with a pediatrician or traveling to the emergency department with your teen.

Excessive or public masturbation can be a sign of a behavioral issue, and it can also be a sign of social inhibition. Teens with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) may, for example, engage in inappropriate sexual behavior in public or other risky behaviors due to their condition.

The obsessive or public masturbation of autistic teens is not uncommon. You should consult a doctor if your adolescent exhibits any of these symptoms. Medication may be needed for some; however, behavioral therapy can also be helpful.

Children who have been sexually abused may masturbate excessively, obsess about sex, or engage in sexually improper behavior.

Make sure your teen knows that you are there for them if you observe these behaviors. Talk to your pediatrician to seek professional advice and guidance for your child.

Final Verdict

Teenage masturbation is normal and parents need to know more about it. As long as it is done in solitude and does not interfere with daily life, masturbation is not a problem.

Meaningful articles you might like: How to Talk to Your Children About Pornography, What to Do if You Discover Porn in Your Teen’s Web History, Why Do Children Engage In Sexual Bullying?