International experts at a recent forum in China have suggested that sex education for youngsters should begin earlier.

　　The People's Daily reports that while some Chinese experts proposed beginning sex education from the age of nine or ten, when adolescence begins, a number of international experts suggest that sex education begin from the age of five. They say the most important element of sex education is to help children recognize and accept their gender.

　　The experts also called on parents to teach their children about sex more openly, warning that fear of talking about the topic with children can lead to a failure to educate about sex, as is the case in many Chinese families and in some other parts of the world, including the US.