Why do we need to start the conversation about consent a lot earlier?

As a university student, I reflect on my own life experiences from childhood to school and even the workplace. The school system needs to improve how children are taught about sex, understand consent, recognise assault and abuse, and know where to turn for help. These should be conversations we are having with young people so that they can develop the skills to navigate their sexual journeys safely and confidently.

I recently came across a powerful post on Instagram from Cliterallythebest: “Stop blaming victims & start blaming perpetrators!!!!!!! Inspo from @sexualviolencecork.”

This series of posts satirises the advice often given to victims to prevent being taken advantage of. My first reaction was pride in raising awareness about the uselessness of victim-blaming, followed by frustration that some viewers might not grasp that this is a reality for many people in the UK during a night out or while simply being out and about.

Still, in 2024, many young people do not feel safe or comfortable, which must change. I believe that starting the conversation about consent earlier and educating young people on how to deal with sexual assault will help reduce these occurrences.

One platform making significant strides in this area is Everyone’s Invited, which provides a space for individuals to report their experiences with sexual harassment and abuse. This platform not only gives survivors a voice but also serves as a resource for learning about self-advocacy and understanding the systemic nature of these issues.

Another notable organisation is Fumble, recognised as a leading youth charity in relationships and sex education (RSE). They recently won an award for their innovative and impactful work. Fumble creates and shares relevant, relatable, and educational content, helping young people navigate relationships and sexual health with confidence and knowledge.

Moreover, Instagram accounts like Cliterallythebest are working hard to improve education about sex and consent. They use social media to engage a broad audience, breaking complex issues into accessible and impactful messages.

As you can understand, how can we expect people to report issues or remove themselves from unsafe situations if they have never been taught about these things or told how to handle them?

This is our reality. We must equip young people with the skills to stand up for themselves and recognise when they are unsafe.

Practical Steps Forward:

• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policy changes that mandate comprehensive sex education in schools. Engage with local and national policymakers to push for these reforms.
• Community Programs: Support and develop community programs that provide resources and education on consent and sexual health outside the school environment.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Participate in and promote campaigns that aim to raise awareness about consent, victim support, and the importance of shifting blame from victims to perpetrators.