How to Teach Kids About Sex and Gender

Dr. Keith WittCognitive, Education, Gender, How should we relate to the social justice movement?, Psychology, Psychosexual, Sex & Gender, Video, Witt & Wisdom: Live with Dr. Keith

Become a supporting member to watch the full conversation

Humanity is entering the Transformation Age, a new era of human civilization, with Integral Consciousness rising at its leading edge. Our members don’t use Integral Life as just another media subscription they use weekly or discard. Instead, most stay with us for years, using Integral Life to learn Integral Philosophy and build an integral mind slowly, methodically and when they need it. We’re here to help you shape the future that’s emerging no matter where your life takes you.

Get Full Access For $1 (30 days)* Or explore all membership plans → * Trial price for the first 30 days, then $20/month. Cancel or switch plans in 2 minutes at any time.

There has been a great deal of controversy in recent months around what exactly our schools should or shouldn’t be allowed to teach, in relation to topics of sex, gender, and identity. And of course one of the central fault lines for this particular culture war runs directly through the state of Florida, where a recent “parents rights” bill was passed by Governor DeSantis — which the left characterizes as a “don’t say gay” bill that is in effect limiting speech in the classroom.

This particular battle has become incredibly heated, as the left accuses advocates of the bill as being homophobic, transphobic, sexist, etc. Meanwhile, the right is labeling the bill’s critics as being “groomers”, or even outright pedophiles.

Here is what the relevant part of the bill says:

“Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

So what exactly are “developmentally appropriate, age-appropriate” ways to teach kids about sex, gender, and identity — not only for kids in kindergarten through third grade, but throughout the rest of childhood and adolescence? Which aspects are more appropriate to teach at home, and which are appropriate to teach at school? Watch as Dr. Keith and Corey share their thoughts!

Previous  Episodes  of  Witt  &  Wisdom
The Art of Integral Conversation: How to Have a Turquoise Dialectic

The Art of Integral Conversation: How to Have a Turquoise Dialectic

Cognitive Defenses Emotional Interpersonal Intrapersonal Leadership Psychology Self-Identity Video Witt & Wisdom: Live with Dr. Keith
Dr. Keith Witt and Corey deVos explore the concept of "turquoise dialectic" - a sophisticated form of integral discourse that...
Watch Now
CANCELLED: The Battle for Free Speech in the Integral Age

CANCELLED: The Battle for Free Speech in the Integral Age

Cognitive Defenses Emotional How should we relate to the social justice movement? Moral Psychology Video Witt & Wisdom: Live with Dr. Keith
Keith Witt and Corey delve into the complex and contentious issue of cancel culture, examining its implications for free speech,...
Watch Now
+View All


Related Media

What’s Wrong With Education (And How Can We Fix It?)

Mark Fischler and Corey deVos

Broken education produces broken people. How can integral perspectives and practices help our education systems generate more happy, healthy, and wholesome kids? Watch as Mark and Corey take a close look at the many dysfunctions, injustices, and failures we see in our education system — both within the system (how and what kids are being taught) as well as surrounding the system (access to education, funding, etc.).




Coding Gender: Using IMP to Construct a Content Analysis of Gender Definitions in Scientific Research

Jeff Cohen

The pervasive influence and conceptual complexity of gender as a scientific construct has lead to attempts to explain it from multiple perspectives. When each of these perspectives is offered, it tends to be presented as a complete explanation. Each perspective, however, likely offers only a partial truth concerning the enactment of gender. The recognition of the partiality of these perspectives indicates that each should be considered in some form when trying to address the full complexity of gender. It also makes clear that none should be privileged above any other. Through the application of the Integral model and Integral Methodological Pluralism (IMP), this article develops a broader and deeper conceptual and operational model for the study of gender than those that have been typically applied.




Using Integral Theory in the Classroom

Jack Crittenden

The first part of this article discusses the need for the application of Integral Theory, a postdisciplinary model, to university and academic culture. The second section examines the need for and current status of character education. It uses the AQAL framework to outline an Integral Character Education, which not only includes inculcating values in an individual but also the requisite behaviors associated with those values, as well as the need to anchor them in social interaction and a common ethos.


Dr. Keith Witt

About Keith Witt

Dr. Keith Witt is a Licensed Psychologist, teacher, and author who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara, CA. for over forty years. Dr. Witt is also the founder of The School of Love.

Corey deVos

About Corey deVos

Corey W. deVos is editor and producer of Integral Life. He has worked for Integral Institute/Integal Life since Spring of 2003, and has been a student of integral theory and practice since 1996. Corey is also a professional woodworker, and many of his artworks can be found in his VisionLogix art gallery.