Consent plays a vital role in our society and is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships and personal boundaries. Understanding consent helps students respect others’ rights and autonomy, and prevents situations of coercion, harassment, or abuse.
FAQs
Consent is the clear agreement to engage in a specific activity, given freely and without pressure or coercion.
Consent means agreeing to do something freely and with full understanding of what that thing is. Consent has to be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing (need to keep checking in). Someone cannot consent if they are pressured, are not conscious/sober or are under 16, the legal age of consent.
No, consent applies to all areas of life, including physical contact, sharing personal information, borrowing belongings, and participating in activities. It ensures that all parties involved are comfortable and willing.
Understanding consent in everyday life fosters mutual respect and trust, reduces misunderstandings and conflicts, and helps create a safer and more respectful community. It emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and the right to make decisions about one’s own body and actions.
In the UK, several laws regulate the creation and distribution of content to ensure it is legal and respectful. The Communications Act 2003 prohibits sending offensive, indecent, or menacing messages online. The Defamation Act 2013 protects individuals and organizations from false statements that harm their reputation. Additionally, the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and Protection of Children Act 1978 criminalize the distribution of obscene and child sexual abuse material. These laws collectively aim to maintain a safe and respectful online environment.
Further Resources
For more information on consent check out our blog: Teaching Consent Education in Schools This blog includes:- Our research with the University of Surrey into boys attitudes around consent
- The key findings of this research
- Our research recommendations