Sammy the Caterpillar

Traditionally, education on sexuality and relationships was only considered necessary from puberty onwards, and for many of us will have consisted of “the big talk” from our parents or sex education classes in school.

However, in recent years there is more of an acceptance that these conversations need to start at an earlier age and need to be on-going so that children and young people develop a healthy attitude to their bodies, sexuality and relationships. Research shows that good sex education at home and school increases likelihood teenagers will wait until 17 or older before having sex and use contraception.

To support parents in this, Carlow Regional Youth Services together with Carlow County Library and Healthy Carlow have created a list of recommended books for children and adolescents. A number of local parents reviewed a variety of sexual health books for their children and these reviews informed what was recommended by local parents for specific age categories. The suggested books cover a range of ages from 0 to 19.

We sought permission to implement Sammy the Caterpillar from Donegal Youth Service. Sammy the Caterpillar initiative is a massive success in Donegal who developed the initiative. We are hoping for similar success across the whole of Carlow.

The books will be available for loan from four libraries in the county and will be clearly identified by a ‘Sammy the Caterpillar’ sticker. The books can be booked online through your library account, which is free to join, and collected in your local library when available.

By talking to your child or teenager you can help them have a more positive experience with their sexual health. For more information contact your local library in Carlow today.