Is it possible to teach young children about consent?
Yes, it is and this video shows just how straightforward and simple it can be.
Educator Deanne Carson wants children to be aware that they are in control of their bodies.
When we think of consent, we often think of it as being an adult subject but it’s something that affects children too.
Children may be asked to hug a relative and sometimes doing so makes them feel uncomfortable.
Carson and her team demonstrated using a teddy how we should all ask before touching others. She brought a teddy to each child and asked if they would like the teddy to hug them.
Most said yes but those who said no were respected and not asked to hug the toy.
Teaching consent to your children makes them aware of when they do and do not feel comfortable and help them identify threatening behaviour.
Boundaries and respect are things that my own son has been taught about in primary school. Social skills are just as important as reading for children to learn, as treating others with respect is something they will use their whole lives.
