Re: self-gratification; regarding Health Effects
I think this discussion is a very important conversation to have. Our society definitely needs to rethink it's attitude about sex.
It is not uncommon for big brothers to go after their little sisters. Sometimes the little sisters like their big brothers and want to play. Sometimes they do not. At what point do the parents intervene and stop big brother from harassing little sister for sex? And how do you tell siblings and neighborhood friends they can't do it anymore after sister starts having periods, because she might get pregnant? Or do you just put them on the pill? And what will that do to a growing girls hormones? How to prevent STDs among children?
I am not sure it is a good idea for children to begin using their genitalia, especially for sexua| intercourse, before their body's have a chance to mature fully.
I would be more in favor of allowing children the luxury of self-gratification in private without judgement until the age of 18, while explaining to them that waiting until their bodies are fully mature to have sexua| intercourse is wisest and healthiest choice, as young bodies that are still growing and changing, are more tender, sensitive, impressionable and possibly even more easily damaged.
Another conversation to have with kids early would be the issue of virginity, the breaking of the hymen, bleeding which is a significant health issue, the pain associated with having sex for the first time, how the vagina changes after having children, an episiotomy, etc.