Ep 10: Sex Education for Visually Impaired Children

Host: Accompanying me today is Ms. Lan Phuong, a Master’s degree holder and teacher at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School. Visually impaired children grow up, experience physical changes, and have emotions just like any other child. However, their access to knowledge about sex and gender faces many barriers. To better understand how we can support them, I am delighted to welcome Ms. Lan Phuong, who has years of experience directly teaching and supporting visually impaired students. Hello, Ms. Lan Phuong!

Guest (Lan Phuong): Hello, MC Ha Linh, and greetings to our audience! I am Lan Phuong, a teacher at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School. I have been dedicated to working with visually impaired students for nearly 20 years. I am truly happy to have this conversation today because sex education for visually impaired children is a crucial piece of the puzzle in their comprehensive development, yet it is often overlooked.

Many people think, "Oh, the little ones don't need to know yet." But the truth is, if we don't teach them, someone else—or the Internet—will teach them instead (laughs). And at that point, the consequences can be unpredictable.

Host: Ms. Phuong, many parents believe that "since my child is visually impaired and has limited social contact, I probably don't need to worry about sex education." In your opinion, is this a correct mindset?

Guest (Lan Phuong): That is a very common misunderstanding. Many parents think, "If they can't see, surely they don't know anything," or "Talking about sex will only make them more curious."

But in reality, visually impaired children experience the exact same psychophysiological development as any other child. They still go through puberty, they are still curious about their bodies, they still have emotions, and they desperately need to be taught about personal boundaries. The only difference is that they lack the visual channel to learn things that others see. If adults do not guide them, they may satisfy their curiosity in the wrong ways, or worse, fall victim to abuse without even realizing it is abuse.

Sex education doesn't make children more curious; it helps them stay calm and understand themselves better. It helps them understand their bodies, distinguish between safe and unsafe behaviors, and—most importantly—know how to say "NO" when they feel uncomfortable. In short: If we don't teach them, society will—and sometimes, "society as a teacher" isn't very kind.

Host: So, if we don't teach them, they won't be able to recognize danger or protect themselves, correct?

Guest (Lan Phuong): Exactly. Sighted children can see images, observe, and learn through books or social media. Visually impaired children learn through speech, touch, and direct guidance. Therefore, if adults remain silent, we unintentionally leave them to "swim on their own" in a world without a map. They can get lost at any moment.

That is why adults need to proactively talk and explain things using appropriate language, without avoidance. Speaking early – Speaking correctly – Speaking truthfully is the best way to protect our children.

Host: Could you share more specifically: How should sex education be taught to visually impaired children so they can understand it easily?

Guest (Lan Phuong): I often tell parents and colleagues: "You have to speak in a way that allows the child to visualize."There are three main principles:

1. Speak Directly – Speak Truthfully – Speak Positively Do not use vague terms like "down there" or "private parts" exclusively. We must call them by their correct names: "penis," "vagina," "breasts," etc. Because visually impaired children cannot see, if we avoid the topic, they will think it is something bad or taboo—and the more you forbid something, the more curious they become (laughs). That’s just human nature.

Visually impaired children cannot see facial expressions, so they rely entirely on voice tone. If we stammer or avoid the subject, the child will think it’s shameful. I always speak straight but gently: "This is the male genital organ; this is the female genital organ. Everyone’s body has private parts; they aren't bad, just different." Many students giggle, some ask, "Teacher, that sounds so funny!" I just reply: "It sounds funny, but it’s correct. And if it’s correct, there’s nothing to be shy about." We always learn through laughter, not through shame.

2. Teach through Tactile Experience and Models For teachers, when guiding visually impaired students, I use male and female anatomical dolls. The children get to touch, hear descriptions, ask questions, and receive answers. But we don't just teach "what this is"; we teach "who is allowed to touch this and when." For example: "These are a woman's breasts; they will change as she grows up. This is the penis; when cleaning, you need to wash it daily." When children can perceive this through touch, the knowledge "stays" in their minds longer than any lecture.

3. Teach Self-Protection Skills Children must know which areas are "private zones," and who can or cannot touch them. I often play the "Circle of Safety" game with them. The child places their hands on their body and identifies the parts covered by a swimsuit—those are private parts. "Who is allowed inside this circle?" The students list them themselves: "Mom and Dad, the school nurse, the doctor, the teacher when helping with hygiene." Then I ask: "What if someone else touches you and you don't want them to?" The whole class chants in unison: "We must say NO!" It’s simple, fun, and easy to remember. We must always remind students that if anyone touches those areas and they feel uncomfortable, they must say "No" and report it to a trusted adult.

Host: That is very practical and easy to understand! What about parents? Many are apprehensive and don't know where to start...

Guest (Lan Phuong): Parents play an essential role. I understand that parents are often shy. But if you stay silent, your child will learn from somewhere else—and that is far more dangerous.

I often joke with parents: "You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be... a friend brave enough to speak first." Start with bathing your child, changing clothes, or when they show curiosity. If your child asks, "Where do babies come from?", don't say "I picked you up from a bamboo bush" (or "the stork brought you"). Speak the truth, and speak with respect. Because when a child dares to ask, it means they trust you.

Start simply:

• When bathing your child, name the body parts as you wash them.

• As they get older, tell small stories about how the body changes.

• Always teach them two concepts: "Permission" (Consent) and "Refusal."

Just doing that plants the seeds of respect for themselves and others.

Host: During your teaching career, is there a particular story that sticks in your memory?

Guest (Lan Phuong): I will never forget an 8th-grade student who was totally blind. One day he asked me: "Teacher, why do the boys always laugh when they hear the word 'breasts'? What's so funny about it?"

I chuckled, but then I paused. I realized that if adults don't tell them, they will learn to view the body through the reactions of others—which are often... wrong. After that incident, I organized a game where students could ask, speak, and share honestly. At the end of the session, one student said: "Now I understand. Body changes are normal; everyone grows up eventually, right Teacher?"

Hearing that, I felt my heart become as light as a cloud. That was the moment I knew sex education isn't about teaching theory; it's about helping children love their bodies in the right way. This is the joy of a teacher—when children understand correctly, feel no shame, and are confident in themselves.

Host: Truly moving and thought-provoking. Before we finish, could you send a short piece of advice to the parents listening today?

Guest (Lan Phuong): I just want to say one thing: "Being visually impaired does not mean being impaired in emotions or gender awareness." Parents, don't be afraid to talk, don't be afraid of saying it wrong—just speak with love, speak often, and speak with respect. The sooner you share, the safer and more confident your child will be. Because knowledge is the light that helps them navigate through the darkness.

Host: Thank you, Ms. Lan Phuong, for your sincere and profound sharing. Thank you to our audience for tuning in today. We hope that each of us will become a "guide" for visually impaired children, not just by leading them by the hand, but by lighting their way with understanding and love.