Children's sex education book draws flak in Indonesia for being too explicit

Children's sex education book draws flak in Indonesia for being too explicit

A children's book about masturbation has stirred controversy in Indonesia, with some criticising the book for being too explicit.

Photographs and pages of the book - I Learn To Control Myself, by writer Fita Chakra - have been posted on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

The book has sparked discussions online about sex education.

One photo of a page that has been widely circulated shows a boy with his legs wrapped around a bolster.

According to a BBC report on Tuesday (Feb 21), the text reads: "I cross my legs tightly around a bolster. For fun, I move my body up and down. Oh... it feels good. My heart is pounding, but I am happy."

Another page shows the boy saying: "Sometimes, I put my hand inside my pants. I repeat, again and again."

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Facebook users have shared pictures of the book, with some advising other parents to "be careful when buying books for kids".

The book, which has been withdrawn from some online stores, is still available on at least one website for 17,600 rupiah (S$1.90).

The site's synopsis says the book contains two stories teaching children how to sleep alone and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.

According to Ms Chakra's website, she is a writer, trainer and teacher, and has three daughters.

She has written several children's books on emotions and bodily development, BBC said.

The Straits Times has reached out to Ms Chakra for comment.


This article was first published on Feb 21, 2017.
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