How to Talk to Your Teenager about Masturbation

Talking to your teen about masturbation can feel awkward, and it's likely that you're dreading it. Chances are, your teen isn't too excited to talk about it either. While it won't be easy, talking to your teen will ensure they have the facts about masturbation and will show them that you're open to talking about the tough topics. Throughout your talk, let your teen know that what they're going through is normal, so there's nothing to feel ashamed about.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Beginning the Conversation

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1
Set aside time to talk to your teen alone. It’s likely that both you and your teen are going to feel awkward talking about masturbation. Having the conversation in your living room after dinner or while out for an evening walk might put you both at ease. Let your teen know that you want to have an important talk with them, but that they aren’t in trouble.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Say, “We’re both going to be home on Saturday afternoon, so I want us to sit down for a special talk. Nothing is wrong and you’re not in trouble, so don’t worry.”
2
Approach your child in a calm, open manner. Keep your body relaxed and avoid crossing your arms, which might send the message that you’re upset. Additionally, use a friendly, understanding tone of voice. This will signal to your child that what they’re doing is normal.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Try to keep the conversation light and casual.
Tip: If you feel yourself getting tense or upset, take a few deep breaths to help yourself calm down. You might also count to 10.
3
Be direct about the purpose of your discussion. Tell them you want to talk about masturbation so they know this isn’t a shameful topic. If you feel uncomfortable or think they might, it’s okay to use euphemisms like “touching yourself” or “exploring your body.”^{[3]XResearch source}
- You might say, “You’re getting older now, so you may want to start exploring your body. I want to talk about that today so you know what you’re feeling is normal.”
4
Make it clear that you’re not shaming their behavior.^{[4]XExpert SourceKelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
PsychotherapistExpert Interview. 27 October 2021.} It’s likely that your child is going to feel embarrassed if they've been masturbating. If they feel like you’re shaming them, they may learn to hide their sexuality or may believe that natural urges are wrong. Tell them that you’re only talking to them so they have the right information.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Say, “You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s totally normal to want to touch yourself, and I want you to know all of the facts about it.”

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Clarifying Facts and Expectations

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1
Explain that masturbation doesn’t have any negative side effects. Your child may have heard rumors about the dangers of masturbation. Tell them that masturbation doesn’t harm their health or damage their body in any way.^{[6]XExpert SourceKelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
PsychotherapistExpert Interview. 27 October 2021.} Let them know that it may actually help them by lowering their stress levels. Finally, ask them about any rumors they’ve heard so you can dispel the myths.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Say, “Masturbating is a natural behavior that won’t hurt your body. What have you heard about it?”
2
Discuss the importance of privacy when it comes to masturbating. While some teens will hide what they’re doing, others may feel open about it. Either way, teach your teen that masturbation is something you do in private.^{[8]XExpert SourceKelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
PsychotherapistExpert Interview. 27 October 2021.} This means using door locks while at home and not doing it in public places.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Let your teen know that they don’t need to be ashamed about it. Privacy is about respecting yourself and others, not about hiding your behavior.
3
Talk to your teen about your personal values, but honor their choices. Explain what you believe about masturbation and sexuality. Then, tell your teen what choices you hope they’ll make. However, let them know that their body is theirs, so you respect their choices.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You might say, “I think that masturbation is a safe way to satisfy your sexual urges. I hope you’ll wait to have sex until you’re an adult and know what you want. However, I know you’re a smart kid and respect the choices you feel are right for you.
Warning: You may have religious or spiritual beliefs that conflict with masturbating, but it’s important to let your child decide what’s right for them. Tell them how you feel, but don’t shame them into complying with your expectations. Otherwise, they may develop unhealthy sexual habits.^{[11]XResearch source}
4
Explain the importance of good hygiene while masturbating. When your teen first starts masturbating, they may not realize the importance of washing their hands or device, if they use one. Talk to them about the importance of keeping their genital area clean to avoid infections. Emphasize that they should always wash their hands before they do it.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Tell them to wash their hands before and after masturbating, as well as to wash any toys they use. Explain that using dirty hands or toys might cause a UTI.
- Teach them to use clean hands and to clean up afterwards.
5
Share your own experiences only if you feel comfortable. Your teen may ask if you masturbate. It’s up to you if you want to answer. Don’t feel pressured to talk about it if you don’t feel comfortable.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You could say, “I started masturbating in middle school, but I don’t do it often now,” or “Many people enjoy masturbating, but some prefer not to do it. However, it’s not something you should ask about.”
6
Allow your teen to choose whether or not they want to talk. Your teen may have a lot of questions, but they may also want to stay quiet. Let them talk freely if they choose to do so.^{[14]XExpert SourceKelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
PsychotherapistExpert Interview. 27 October 2021.} If they’re staying quiet, let them know that you’re interested in hearing their thoughts but will respect their decision if they don’t want to say anything.^{[15]XResearch source}
- If your child opens up or asks questions, you might say, “I’m really proud of you for speaking up. I hope you’ll always come talk to me.”
- If your child isn’t saying anything, say, “I want you to know that you can tell me anything you need to say, and I’m always ready to answer questions. At the same time, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Wrapping Up the Conversation

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1
Answer your teen’s questions to the best of your abilities.^{[16]XExpert SourceKelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
PsychotherapistExpert Interview. 27 October 2021.} Ask your teen if they have any questions. Give them answers as you see fit. If you don’t know an answer, tell them that you’ll check on it and get back to them later that day.^{[17]XResearch source}
- For example, they may ask things like, "Will masturbating every day hurt me?" or "Will masturbating make me become infertile?" The answer to both of these questions is "no."
- Similarly, they might have questions about wet dreams.
- You can likely find the answer to the question online. You may prefer to do this yourself in case inappropriate material comes up.
Tip: Keep in mind that if you wait too long to follow up with an answer, your teen will likely look it up themself. They may also ask their friends, but it’s better that they get answers from you.
2
Reassure your teen that nothing is wrong with them. Before you end the conversation, reinforce the fact that masturbation is normal and healthy. Tell them that many people enjoy doing it, so they have nothing to be embarrassed about.^{[18]XResearch source}
- You might say, "I know what you're going through may be confusing, but you need to know that this is normal and healthy, so you don't need to feel guilty about it."
3
Ask your teen if there’s anything they need from you. This is a great time to teach your teen that they can come to you when they need help making safe sex decisions. Try to keep an open mind and help your child get what they need to stay safe. Right now, that might mean a box of tissues or a lock on their bedroom door.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Say, “Is there anything you need from me?”
- This will help your teen feel comfortable asking about protection or birth control pills later. While you might hope they don’t need them, it’s better that they’re prepared.
Tip: You don’t need to facilitate your child’s sexual behavior. However, it’s important that your teen has the things they need to stay safe. Otherwise, they may engage in unsafe behaviors.
4
Check in with them 2-3 days later to see if they have questions. Your teen may need to think things over for a few days before they have questions. However, they might feel uncomfortable about bringing up the topic again. Talk to them in private a few days after the big talk to see if they have more questions.^{[20]XResearch source}
- You might say, “I’m sure you’ve been thinking about what we discussed on Saturday. Did you think of any questions?”
5
Avoid snooping on your child to see if they’re masturbating. It’s important that your child has privacy and is able to make decisions about their body. You only want the best for them, but sometimes this means respecting their boundaries. Give your teen space to decide what’s right for them.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Don’t go through their things or knock when you suspect they’re masturbating.

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Question
What if I walk in on them masturbating?
Jb0ss Rocks
Community Answer
If they see you, apologize and let them be. If they don't notice you, just quietly leave. Masturbation is private time for them.
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What if my child denies doing it?
Rakhil
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If he/she does deny it, it may be that they don't want to talk about it or feel embarrassed or ashamed to open up. Try to build up trust with them, but keep in mind, this is really their own private business, it's entirely up to them whether or not to share with you.
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What is masturbation?
Community Answer
Masturbation is when somebody touches their genitals in a way that feels good and is sexually arousing. After doing it repetitively, they will have an orgasm.
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Tips

Your teen likely has access to the Internet, so they may start searching for information on masturbation on their own.
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Try to talk to your teen before you notice signs that they’re masturbating. This way your child will have the best information about how to safely masturbate before they do it.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

Seek to understand rather than react. Hear them out, ask thoughtful questions, and share your perspective once you fully grasp where they're coming from. React too soon and the conversation could shut down.
Schedule some distraction-free one-on-one time. Go for a walk just the two of you or play a board game without phones present. Having your full attention can make it easier for them to open up.
Make it an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time thing. Check in periodically to see if they have questions or want to discuss anything further. Keep those lines of communication open.
Equip yourself with accurate information from credible sources so you can have an informed discussion. If there are gaps in your knowledge, fill them before attempting this talk.
If religion plays a role in your discomfort, examine those beliefs before discussing them. Are they based on control or shame? Reframe them around compassion.
Don't let awkwardness prevent this important conversation. Push past the discomfort — this is about your child's health and wellbeing.

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Warnings

The worst thing you can do is saying "give up that bad habit" basing you on religious preconceptions.
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Don't believe myths about masturbation in order to discourage it.
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Shaming your child for masturbating can have lifelong negative effects on them. Let them know that their desire to masturbate is normal.^{[22]XResearch source}
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