Understanding Consent: Empowering Teenagers

Understanding Consent: Empowering Teenagers

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the concept of consent, its importance, and how to establish healthy boundaries in relationships.

What do you already know about consent and why it is important?

Slide 1: What is Consent?

Consent is giving permission or agreeing to something willingly and without coercion. It is crucial in all types of relationships, including romantic, sexual, and everyday interactions.

Slide 2: Types of Consent

There are two main types of consent: verbal and non-verbal. Verbal consent involves explicit communication, while non-verbal consent can be expressed through body language and cues.

Slide 3: Boundaries and Consent

Consent goes hand in hand with establishing and respecting personal boundaries. Boundaries are the limits and rules individuals set to ensure their comfort and safety.

Slide 4: Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to obtaining and giving consent. It involves active listening, clear expression of desires and limits, and seeking enthusiastic agreement.

Slide 5: Recognizing Consent

It's essential to recognize when someone has given consent. Look for clear and enthusiastic affirmative responses, respect non-verbal cues, and be aware that consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Slide 6: Consent and Digital Interactions

Consent also applies to digital interactions, such as sharing photos or engaging in online conversations. Always ask for explicit permission and respect boundaries in the digital world.

Slide 7: Consent Myths

There are several myths surrounding consent, such as 'no means yes' or 'consent is only necessary for certain activities.' It is crucial to debunk these myths and understand the importance of clear, ongoing consent.

Slide 8: Consent and Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can influence decision-making related to consent. It's important to develop assertiveness skills, recognize manipulation tactics, and prioritize personal boundaries over external pressures.

Slide 9: Consent Violations

Consent violations occur when someone does not respect another person's boundaries or engages in non-consensual activities. It is important to be aware of red flags, support survivors, and report any incidents.

Slide 10: Practicing Consent

To practice consent, always seek explicit and ongoing agreement, respect others' boundaries, and be mindful of power dynamics. Remember that consent is a continuous process and requires active participation from all parties involved.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.