Meaning: Mary Steichen Calderone was an American physician and public health advocate who made significant contributions to the fields of sex education and reproductive health. The quote, "Before the child ever gets to school it will have received crucial, almost irrevocable sex education and this will have been taught by the parents, who are not aware of what they are doing," highlights the profound influence of parental attitudes and behaviors on a child's early understanding of sexuality.

Calderone's quote underscores the idea that children are exposed to sexual education long before they enter formal educational settings. She emphasizes the role of parents as unwitting educators in this regard, suggesting that their actions and attitudes around sexuality profoundly shape a child's understanding of the subject. This insight into the pervasive nature of early sex education serves as a call to action for parents to be mindful of the messages they convey to their children, even when they may not realize the impact of their actions.

The quote also draws attention to the concept of "almost irrevocable" sex education, implying that the foundational knowledge and beliefs children acquire about sexuality from their parents can have lasting and profound effects on their attitudes, behaviors, and relationships in the future. This underscores the need for parents to approach the topic of sex education with care and consideration, recognizing the long-term impact of their interactions and communication with their children on this sensitive subject.

Furthermore, Calderone's quote raises awareness about the importance of comprehensive and accurate sex education, as it suggests that children may be receiving information about sexuality from their parents, regardless of whether it is intentional or not. This highlights the need for parents to engage in open and informed discussions about sexual health and relationships with their children, providing them with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate the complexities of human sexuality in a healthy and responsible manner.

In the context of broader societal implications, the quote sheds light on the influence of family dynamics, cultural norms, and societal attitudes on the early sexual education of children. It emphasizes the need for a more conscious and proactive approach to sex education within families, as well as within communities and educational institutions, to ensure that children receive accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate information about sexuality.

From a public health perspective, the quote underscores the significance of early intervention and education in promoting positive sexual health outcomes. By acknowledging the formative role of parents in shaping a child's understanding of sexuality, the quote highlights the potential for parents to be allies in promoting healthy attitudes and behaviors related to sexual health and relationships.

In conclusion, Mary Calderone's quote serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the influential role parents play in shaping their children's early understanding of sexuality. It underscores the need for parents to approach the topic of sex education with mindfulness and responsibility, recognizing the long-term impact of their words and actions on their children's attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of comprehensive and accurate sex education within families and communities to support healthy sexual development and well-being.