A sex and consent education book was pulled from the shelves at a major retailer amid customer backlash.
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'Welcome to Sex', written by adolescent health expert and GP Dr Melissa Kang and journalist Yumi Stynes is aimed at adolescents and explores topics including communication, relationships and sexual diversity.
Staff abused
Big W said it had stripped the book from shelves and moved sales to online only after staff members were abused.
"We know there has been a wide range of views about the book, however it's disappointing that there have been multiple incidents of abuse directed at our store team members in recent days," a Big W spokesperson said.
"To keep our team and customers safe, the book is now available to customers online only."
Critics of the book claim it is too graphic for young children while supporters are celebrating the inclusive and educational nature of the text.
Mixed opinions
Conservative commentators had taken to social media in recent days to condemn the material in the book as 'inappropriate' and akin to 'grooming'.
Hardie Grant, the publisher of the book, said it was developed in response to comprehensive interviews with young people and adolescent experts about issues they were facing, particularly in an online world.
"Buying this book is a positive choice for parents and teens who are looking for guidance on a subject of genuine importance." Hardie Grant managing director Kate Brown said.
"We have published it for an audience who want that option."
Experts highlighted that young people were increasingly learning about sex from unreliable sources such as pornography.
A 2019 research report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that 53 per cent of boys in the study and 14 per cent of girls intentionally viewed pornography before the age of 16.
Publicity increased sales
In the days since the social media uproar, the book has skyrocketed in sales.
It is currently the #2 best selling book in Australia on Amazon.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Welcome to Sex is the latest in the best-selling "Welcome" series by Kang and Stynes.
The series also includes Welcome to Your Period, Welcome to Consent and Welcome to Your Boobs.
