I went in to see the bishop for my 14th birthday priesthood interview. He asked me if I was morally clean. I told him no. Then he asked me specifically if I had any issues with masturbation and I said yes. He asked how long and how frequent and suggested I tell my parents. Being a good boy I did. It was shameful and horrible and embarrassing.
Every two or three months my mom would ask me how I was doing with my little problem. I eventually started to lie to her and my bishop. I was taught that it was a grievous sin and god was unhappy with me. I personally didn’t feel like it was wrong but all the teachings strictly forbid it. A sin next to murder.
I grew up thinking sex was dirty shameful, but luckily when I was old enough to marry, my wife was super cool and open about it. I was scared to death because of how I was taught, but she opened my eyes to help me to a healthy expectation of what it was all about. Many are not so fortunate.
If I told you a catholic priest was taking 12 year old boys and girls behind closed doors to talk about masturbation and sex with direct questions about it, you would all throw up a red flag. It’s not appropriate there, nor in the LDS church. Confession is a voluntary means to forgiveness. Not a probing direct question sexual accusation and explanation session. I have friends in the church that distanced themselves at my age and this is part of the reason why. Funny thing is, there is nothing wrong with it. 3500 years of scriptures just forgot to mention it. It is normal even for small children. How you handle it determines the health and well being and respect a child deserves. I am still having PTSD telling my wife about it all these years later. It’s a bad practice.