What is the birds and bees story?

The "birds and the bees" story is a euphemism for the explanation of human reproduction and sex given to children. There's no single, universally agreed-upon version, but it generally involves simplified explanations of how animals reproduce, often using birds and bees as examples of different reproductive strategies (birds laying eggs, bees having a queen and drones). The purpose is to convey the basic biological facts in a way that's age-appropriate and avoids overly explicit details.

However, the term is often used satirically or ironically to refer to any attempt to explain the complexities of sex and reproduction in a simplistic or inadequate way, often omitting important aspects like consent and relationships. The "birds and bees" story can sometimes be criticized for being overly simplistic, evasive, or even misleading, depending on the version and the age and maturity of the child. More comprehensive and age-appropriate sex education is now generally recommended.