Jess Rowe, an accomplished journalist and host of The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, joins Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, to explore the critical topic of consent. They emphasize the importance of open conversations about boundaries, especially in parenting. The duo tackles myths surrounding consent, revealing how mainstream media can distort young people's understanding. They advocate for proactive education, encouraging both parents and children to foster an environment of enthusiastic communication about consent.
Consent is not merely an agreement but a vital aspect of fostering safe and respectful interactions in all relationships.
Open conversations about consent and its complexities must begin at an early age to empower children in expressing their boundaries confidently.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding Consent
Consent is a complex concept that goes beyond simply agreeing to engage in sexual activity; it is about fostering a safe environment for all forms of interaction. Conversations about consent often focus on the negative aspects, such as the penalties for misunderstanding boundaries, which can create fear and stigma rather than open dialogue. Acknowledging that one in five women and one in sixteen men have experienced sexual violence, it becomes clear that reframing consent as a part of everyday life is crucial for prevention. It highlights the need to make discussions around consent normalized, allowing individuals to feel empowered and confident in expressing their boundaries at all times.
Creating Open Lines of Communication
Having open discussions about consent with children and teenagers is vital for their understanding and comfort around the subject. Parents can facilitate these conversations by initiating dialogue from an early age and acknowledging their own discomfort in discussing such topics. An example is a mother who requests permission from her daughters’ friends before giving them a hug, demonstrating respect for personal boundaries and the importance of consent even in casual interactions. Encouraging children to speak openly about their feelings can help build a foundation for them to express their thoughts and experiences related to consent throughout their development.
Challenging Myths Surrounding Consent
A prevalent myth about consent is the misguided belief that someone's behavior or attire can indicate their willingness for sexual activity, which is absolutely incorrect. This misconception perpetuates harmful narratives and detracts from the core principle that consent must be explicit, enthusiastic, and can be revoked at any time. Conversations in the podcast emphasize the significance of educating young people on the nuances of consent, including that it is not static, and social cues should not be misconstrued as agreement. Addressing these misconceptions openly and emphasizing that consent is both verbal and non-verbal can help foster accountability and mutual respect among peers.
Most Australians agree that consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. But what does consent mean? What does it look like in action? Before we can talk to our kids about consent, we need to talk to each other.
In this special series, made in partnership with the Australian federal government as part of its Consent Can’t Wait campaign, The Briefing invites iconic Australians to unpack how they feel about consent, what their understanding of it is, how they're having conversations about it with loved ones, and unpacking some of the myths about consent that we can all fall victim to.
In part three, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Jess Rowe, accomplished journalist, author, public speaker and host of LiSTNR's The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, and author and Founder of Teach Us Consent Chanel Contos to hear their thoughts on consent in 2024.
Check out your understanding of consent, and get help learning how to talk about the topic at Consent.gov.au.