I think the reason children aren't told 'You're too young to masturbate' is that usually masturbation comes from private self discovery, with no interference, pressure or any other outside influences.

I think BECAUSE it is not something which is talked about much, children and teens don't feel they have to try it, so there's no peer pressure, or pressure from partners making them do something before they're entirely ready for it.

Personally, I can't remember a time when I didn't masturbate, but I know that I was about 8 years old when I had my first orgasm.......masturbation for me, has been a continual journey of self exploration and I see it as an essential part of keeping myself a healthy sexual person, rather than an alternative or substitute for sex with my partner.

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