As uncomfortable as it might be, it’s imperative for us to educate our children—both boys and girls—about the concept of consent. The earlier we start this conversation, the better.
Begin simply by instilling in your children the understanding that they have complete authority over their own bodies. From there, as they mature, you can guide them on how to ask for consent from their peers, and how to maintain this practice as they navigate more intimate relationships.
I get it—no parent wants to confront the reality of their children entering into romantic or sexual relationships. However, this is an inevitable part of growing up, and it’s crucial that they are equipped to engage in these experiences in a loving, respectful, and fully consensual manner. This goes beyond mere kindness; it’s fundamentally about safety.
Startling statistics from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Report by the CDC reveal that half of all rapes among females occur before age 18, with 22% happening before age 12. Additionally, 1 in 5 females and 1 in 7 males first face sexual violations in their intimate relationships between ages 11 and 17. These numbers underscore the urgent need to teach our children about body safety and consent as soon as possible.
Navigating these discussions can be challenging, especially as your child grows. I have a teenage son who would rather do just about anything than listen to me talk about consent. Luckily, we initiated these conversations early on, so even though he may roll his eyes now, he understands the fundamentals.
Parents can greatly benefit from the wealth of resources available to address these vital topics with their kids. One particularly engaging resource I found is a brief, impactful video on consent produced by The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. This one-minute video, available on YouTube, features two teenagers who demonstrate the importance of asking for consent in a relatable and realistic manner.
In the video, the teens ask each other for consent on five different occasions, each time receiving a clear “yes” or “no.” The scenarios—hanging out, playing video games, and sharing a kiss—are familiar and relatable for most tweens and teens. Watching it with your child could spark a constructive dialogue, making it less awkward than you might fear.
The creators of the video encourage viewers to identify the moments where consent is requested. This exercise not only highlights the omnipresence of consent in everyday interactions but also reinforces the necessity of practicing consent in all relationships. This foundational skill sets the stage for effective communication in more intimate situations.
Beyond the video, The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance offers valuable resources for parents and educators to facilitate meaningful discussions. Their “parents resource” sheet includes guided questions that can help those of us who often struggle to broach such topics. A particularly eye-opening point they make is that only a clear “yes” counts as consent. Just because someone doesn’t say “no,” it doesn’t mean consent has been given. It’s essential that our kids become comfortable voicing their own “yeses” and “no’s,” while also paying close attention to others.
These conversations may be uncomfortable, but they are necessary. We must thoroughly, honestly, and energetically educate our children about consent from a young age. Fortunately, we’re not alone in this endeavor. Resources like this insightful video and the many dedicated parents and educators out there are committed to fostering a safer, more respectful world for future generations.
For more on related topics, check out this post on artificial insemination kits, or visit Modern Family Blog for authoritative information. Additionally, if you’re exploring pregnancy options, March of Dimes is an excellent resource for fertility treatment insights.
Summary
Educating children about consent is a crucial part of their development. Starting early and using relatable resources, such as videos, can facilitate these important conversations. It’s essential for kids to understand that consent is a continuous aspect of all relationships and to communicate clearly about their boundaries.