Talking to children and young people about consent

As a parent, talking with children and young people about consent and sexual consent can feel daunting, but there are ways to do this while using age-appropriate language. Having these conversations is important, as they can help children and young people to make informed and empowering decisions about their bodies and relationships throughout life.   

In this episode host Nadia Rossi welcomes back Kirsty, Schools Coordinator at Shine SA, to talk about the differences between consent and sexual consent. Kirsty shares ways parents can start these conversations with their children, how adults can model consent to their children and how it supports a child’s wellbeing to be informed about consent. 

Content warning:

This podcast includes adult themes around sex and consent. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.  

In this episode you will learn:

•  The difference between consent and sexual consent and why it is important to talk to children about both [00:00:53]
•  When you should start talking to your child about consent and how to start the conversation in age-appropriate ways. [00:05:02]
• The ways adults can model consent to their children. [00:16:42]
•  About rejection and how parents can show their children how to communicate ‘no’ and also receive ‘no’. [00:21:30]

Further information and resources

SHINE SA | Sexual Health Information Networking & Education 

Family Planning Alliance Australia 

The Commonwealth Consent Policy Framework | Department of Social Services, Australian Government 

Home | Consent.gov.au – Check your understanding