People Share How They Learned About Sex

From awkward talks to no talks at all, these stories reveal how people gained knowledge about sex and sexuality.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Recently, BuzzFeed asked its community to share how their parents taught them about sex. The responses ranged from informative, helpful conversations to barely any discussion at all, leaving many to learn about sex from friends, relatives, or even pornography. The stories highlight the varied approaches parents took, from scientific explanations to vague metaphors, and the impact it had on people's understanding and comfort with sexuality.

Why it matters

The way parents approach sex education can have a lasting impact on a person's views and experiences around sex and relationships. Open, honest, and age-appropriate discussions can help prepare young people, while avoidance or shame-based approaches can lead to misinformation, confusion, and difficulty navigating sexuality later in life.

The details

The responses shared a range of experiences. Some had parents who provided clear, scientific explanations starting at a young age, while others had parents who never discussed sex at all, leaving them to learn from unreliable sources. Several people recounted awkward, metaphorical, or incomplete conversations that left them confused. A few had parents who took an overly permissive or laissez-faire approach. Overall, the stories highlight how parental attitudes and approaches to sex education can profoundly shape a person's relationship with their own sexuality.

  • The stories span several decades, from the 1960s to the present day.

The players

BuzzFeed Community

The online community that shared their personal stories about how they learned about sex.

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What they’re saying

“When I was 15, my mom sat me down for the talk, and instead of teaching me that my virginity was a precious gift and should be saved, she simply said, 'If you get pregnant, just tell me right away, and I'll help you get rid of it.'”

— Anonymous (BuzzFeed)

“My dad just put two power cords together and said these don't work, and you can't put the two wall outlets together, and they won't work.. I guess that was the don't be gay talk. I got pregnant at 14 lol.”

— Anonymous (BuzzFeed)

The takeaway

These stories highlight the importance of open, honest, and age-appropriate sex education from parents. While approaches varied widely, the impact on people's understanding and comfort with sexuality is clear. This underscores the need for comprehensive sex education to ensure young people have the knowledge and tools to make informed and healthy choices.