Let’s Talk About Consent

Discussion Guide

Whether online or offline, consent is a life skill your child should understand and be comfortable practicing. Consent is about boundaries, respect, and communication, and it’s a two way street.

Kids 7–12 Any Comfort Level

illustration of a speech bubble with 4 x's in it

Introduction

Building a solid understanding of consent will encourage kids to consider how their actions might make others feel. In addition to traditional conversations about consent and body autonomy, it is critical to fold in the nuances of digital consent and what it means to give permission for content to be shared.

In this guide you will:

Learn about consent as a life skill.
Understand why it is important to start talking about it early.
Develop practical ways to teach your child to practice consent both online and offline.

What to expect from your kid

Your child may have heard about consent at school or on TV, but it may be their first time learning about it. Lead by example, show them how you practice consent both online and offline in your daily life. If they don’t know or are unsure, encourage them to ask questions like, “Is it ok if I post this picture of us?” or “Are you comfortable with this?”.

First steps

Learning how to give and receive permission is a skill that will help empower your child to respect themselves and others. Be patient and remember that this is a lifelong skill that will continue to develop over time. Here are some key moments where you can open a dialogue.

Asking for and giving permission before hugs.
Sharing toys with friends.
When they say no to having their picture taken.
Asking for consent when you share images of them online.
When someone else shares a photo of them without their knowledge.

Have you ever heard of consent?

Conversation Script

Consent plays a key role in how kids interact with their peers online and offline, especially when it comes to grooming and nude photos in the future. Continue referencing it as you work through our guides.