This is a sex education booklet from 1973, produced by The Family Life Movement.

The Family Life Movement (Renamed 'Interrelate') began operating in 1926 and was the first family relationships services organisation in the Southern Hemisphere. It began its pioneering work in 1926 with the Father and Son Movement and became the authoritative sexuality education organisation for young people. In the years between 1954 and 1956 it issued its first set of nine sex education guides and its output since then has been prolific. In 1969 alone its sale of sex education books exceeded 1.5 million copies (in a country whose population was less than 12 million). It also produced recordings and sent out speakers to schools and organisations that requested them. For many young Australians it provided their only contact with any sort of informed sex education.

The Powerhouse Museum has a wide collection of objects relating to sexual health and a growing collection of material that documents the history of public health and health education in Australia. These little booklets lie at the intersection of these two areas. They are interesting not simply because they show what kind of sexual advice was given by a particular organisation in the 1930s, but also because, by examining the nature of this advice, it is possible to perceive some of the health and social concerns that prevailed during this period of Australia's history.

Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

The booklet was produced by the Family Life Movement of Australia in 1973. It is divided in two parts, 'Body in Motion', and 'Mind in Action', and provides practical advice for young teens on safe sex practices and pregnancy. It also includes a glossary of sexual terms at the back of the booklet.

The Family Life Movement (later renamed 'Interrelate') began operating in 1926 and was the first family relationships services organisation in the Southern Hemisphere. It began its pioneering work in 1926 with the Father and Son Movement.

Sex education booklet, 'A Guide to Me and You', paper / metal, published by the Family Life Movement of Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1973

A 52 page booklet stapled at the spine and titled 'A Guide to Me and You- a reliable sex education booklet for early to mid-teen years'. The booklet has a yellow cover which features a drawing of a beach scene. The booklet is written in two parts, 'Body in Motion', and 'Mind in Action', and provides practical advice for young teens on safe sex practices and pregnancy. It also includes a glossary of sexual terms at the back of the booklet.

Published: Family Life Movement of Australia; Sydney; 1973

Printed on the back of the book 'This book is prepared by / a specially qualified panel. / Many thousands of young people / and parents have expressed thanks / for the accurate and reliable graded / publications of this Movement'.

2007/138/1

1973

218 mm

125 mm

3 mm