Hi Loren...
Let's try this again.
Would you think it good to advise children to not play alone in a inner city park at midnight?
(Hopefully you would say yes).
Why?
Is it because every single person on the entire planet IS a child sexual abuser?
No, it is to protect children from those who are and to keep them safe.
Similarly, we need to help children realize the situations which may put them in danger... being alone, behind closed doors, with a trusted adult in a powerful position over them, discussing sex is the EXACT situation where the vast majority of sexual abuse happens.
Eliminating these situations is not even close to suggesting every man (or woman) in the entire world is a child abuser. It is eliminating the opportunity for sexual abuse. It is what normal people find appropriate when it comes to protecting children.
Why you are such an advocate for powerful adult men discussing sex with children and teenagers alone behind closed doors is a bit disconcerting to me. Or is it only LDS Bishops who get to do this without your condemnation?
When children need to discuss sexual issues (with a professional for example) there needs to be strict safeguards in place and children need to be taught that they do not have to disclose or discuss their sexual feelings or behaviors with a neighbor man down the street, or any other person in a powerful position over them.
And, while you may want to deny sexual abuse happens or that it is extremely rare, the fact is, it is out of control, and I do consider it an epidemic (excessively prevalent). About 1 in 4 girls, 1 in five boys have been victims of sexual abuse.
But I am not arguing about stats.
We need to protect children.