"so when it was time to tell him when he was 7 that what his friends are saying is partly true."

Ahh. I see. When it was time. You didn't tell him until he was ready to hear the truths of such things.

You choose when and what to tell your children.

I'll choose when and what to tell mine.

And so it seems, the two may differ yet find some common ground.

Peace.

Petunia