IT’S hard to know when is the right time to talk about subjects such as sex education with children. New packs have been compiled by the Family Planning Association for use in schools to teach children as young as nine about controversial subjects, one of which is sexting.

But the Family Education Trust says the step will breed an “unhealthy distrust” in youngsters and may even introduce thoughts and ideas children aren’t ready for.

Operation Yewtree has reminded us that we all need to be very afraid. It’s not just young teens these repulsive humans find attractive, it’s children.

Flat-chested, under-developed, unassuming, precious little people with no idea that this horror exists, until they’re abused and scarred for life. It’s time they knew. Then they’ll understand what’s right and wrong, and understand when to speak up about something somebody might say or do. That’s surely better than the other option of them not understanding what’s happening, and not speaking up because it’s being done by an adult and adults are always right.

I was given a book last week, called My Underpants Rule by Kate and Rod Power, which has been designed to teach children a serious message in a fun way. The “underpants rule” consists of the rhyme, part of which goes: “What’s under my pants belongs only to me, And others can’t touch there or ask me to see.”

I’ve seen photos of children I know and love that I would deem sexual. A selfie of a kiss or doe eyes, or jumping with joy on a beach, wearing nothing but a bikini – these might seem like perfectly lovely and normal images to many, but to others, they’re exciting.

To doubters who worry their kids are going to learn something they shouldn’t or can’t yet handle, I would ask: surely it’s better to be safe than sorry?