Many adults find masturbation -- particularly among youth -- to be a very sensitive topic. We have tried to be objective in our
treatment of this issue, and to describe fairly all viewpoints.
This essay is dedicated to the past U.S. Surgeon General, Joycelyn Elders. When asked a question about sex education in public
schools, she stated: "perhaps masturbation was something that should be taught." Within hours, she was asked to
resign. Within days, she was gone from public service.
Definition:
According to the FAQ at alt.sex.masturbation, masturbation
is "sexual activity involving only one person." 1
Other widely used emotionally neutral terms are: "self-stimulation,"
"auto-eroticism" and "self-pleasuring."