How do parents talk to kids about consent? Consent is defined as giving permission for something to happen. Teaching kids and teens about the skills of consent can help reduce sexual coercion, harassment, and even assault.
What age do parents start talking to kids about consent?
Conversations about consent can begin as early as preschool and continue throughout childhood and the teen years. This article by the Harvard Graduate School of Education breaks down how to talk about consent at different ages and stages of child development, from preschool to high school. Common Sense Media also offers guidance on how to talk with tweens and teens.
This video, Consent for Kids, by Blue Seat Studios is really helpful with younger children.
Older teens tend to be ready for more information and appreciate the humor in this video:
As a parent, you know your child best and what type of information they are ready for. I encourage you to start the discussion if you haven’t already. Please share any other resources you have found helpful on the subject of helping kids understand consent!
Additional Resources To Teach Kids About Consent and Healthy Relationships:
Kidpower is a child safety organization that provides training and resources for schools to talk about abuse, consent, and other safety-related issues.
SafeBAE is a survivor-founded, student-led national organization whose mission is to end sexual assault among middle and high school students
Answer is a center at Rutgers University that provides sex education, training and resources for teens.
Blue Seat Studios is the source of the famous “consent is like tea” and other videos that explain consent.
AMAZE is another video education project that includes videos on healthy relationships that are suitable for tweens and teens.
About Jessica Speer:
Jessica Speer is the award-winning author of books for kids and teens, including The Phone Book – Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised.
Blending social science, stories, and activities, her writing guides readers through tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences and has a knack for writing about complex topics in a way that connects with kids and teens. Jessica regularly contributes to media outlets on content related to kids, parenting, friendship, screens, and social-emotional learning. For more information, visit .JessicaSpeer.com
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