Adolescent sexuality: elements and genesis.

To address the topic of adolescent sexuality and the elements that go into its genesis and evolution, it is necessary to determine when human sexuality, as a body system functioning independently from the human reproductive system, begins to function. In the case of the male, this has been shown by ultrasound technology to be at approximately 17 weeks of gestation, and subsequent developmental stages in both sexes are based on the three primary areas in human development: body, mind, sexuality. Positive aspects of sexual socialization are shown to depend on attitudes of parents, of society, of health and caring professionals, and of the child itself, to whom it is as important a part of its being as are body and mind. Significant research carried out in different parts of the world on childhood sexuality is cited and discussed with its possible long-term meanings, effects, and possible prevention of the current apparent increase in childhood sexual molestation. The need for a massive paradigm shift on the parts of professionals, parents, and society in viewing, nurturing, and protecting the sexuality of infancy and early childhood is emphasized.