Table 5.1 Some Important Dimensions of Child Development
	Age Characteristics Infancy (0-2) Preverbal and early language skills emerging Lacks framework for assimilating and understanding sexual concepts Information needs can generally be met by primary care givers and others in child's immediate environment Early Childhood (3-5) Finds it difficult to distinguish between fantasy and reality; more easily frightened by "scary things" Continues to lack cognitive framework for assimilating and understanding sexual concepts, though sexual behavior such as masturbation may occur Information needs can generally be met by those in child's environment and easily accessible resources such as children's books Begins to have empathy for others Childhood (6-9) Increasing ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality Typing and writing skills emerging, but poor at younger ages (e.g., misspellings common) Decision-making skills on the Internet (as in many areas of life) not well-developed Some emerging information needs require reference books and other materials to support research Preadolescence (10-12) Much better ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality Better able to use inferential reasoning skills Decision-making skills developing in more abstract way due to metamemory skills (knowing about knowing, knowing how to know, i.e., strategy). Typing and spelling skills still problematic Sexual development beginning for many or at least for their peers; sexuality becoming more interesting; likely a sensitive period for exposure to sexual content Information needs expanding and increasingly require materials that are not in the immediate physical environment Early adolescence (13-15) Abstract cognitive skills in place that are the same ones that adults have, though skill set not fully developed Decision-making skills and reasoning skills better developed than in preadolescence, but often impulsive; faith in own decision-making skills (especially in the face of parental positions) may well exceed actual skill Age of puberty, growing awareness of sexual development and highly curious about his or her own sexuality; some become sexually active with intercourse; most will have some kind of sexual experience (e.g., kissing) Information needs are broader and relate to the world at large, and the availability of some external sources is important Late adolescence (16-18) Highly aware personally of sexual issues and may well be sexually active (80 percent have intercourse by age 20; the mean age of first intercourse is approximately 17 1/2 years today) Decision-making skills and reasoning ability improved over early adolescence Physically and cognitively mature Legal rights approaching those of adults, though rights may vary by state Historically, many were married and having children at this age Information needs extensive in scope and depth and commonly require access to a wide range of resources beyond the individuals in their immediate environment