Why Is It Important to Teach Kids About Consent?

Teaching kids about consent is one of the most important things you can do. It's also vital. As they grow up and experience the world, it's essential that they learn to respect other people - even if they don't know them or trust them. Teaching them to say no makes sure they are prepared to look after themselves, and can stop unwanted touch in its tracks.

It's never too early to talk about consent with your kids. There are many reasons why this is necessary - both for the children and their parents - but one that stands out in particular: it can make them more likely to speak up if they ever see or experience unwanted touch.

• Teaching them about consent will help prevent unwanted touch.
• Teaching them about consent will help them respect other people.
• It gives them a vocabulary to speak up in case they see or experience sexual abuse.

Kids need to know that it’s okay to say no if they feel uncomfortable, as well as how to recognize wanted and unwanted touches. The more they understand, the easier it will be for them to speak up if something happens.

Teaching kids about consent is also one way of teaching them how to protect themselves from sexual violence. A good way to teach your children about consent is to make it a part of everyday conversations. You can discuss it often by reading a book, or asking questions that help them think about how they would respond in certain situations. Teaching kids about consent will help prevent them from becoming victims of sexual predators.

As parents, it's important to talk about consent with our children. We don't want them to be the victim of assault, but we also don't want them to be perpetrators either. So if you're not sure how to approach this topic with your kids yet, check out The ABC's of Consent and remember to start early!