Consent – Support for parents
Supporting parents when talking to their children about consent
The ‘Consent. It starts with a conversation’ campaign launched in September 2024, aiming to reduce sexual offences among teenagers by educating them about the importance of consent.
After successfully reaching young people through schools and digital channels, we’re now turning to parents and key community influencers, to help keep the conversation going at home.
Why parental conversations matter
Research shows that when parents openly talk to their teenagers about sex, consent, and healthy relationships:
- Teens are more likely to delay sexual activity
- They tend to make safer, more informed decisions
- They develop stronger respect for boundaries — their own and others'
Yet over 40% of Cheshire students surveyed said they feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about consent.
Why talk about consent?
Talking about consent helps your child:
- Build respectful, healthy relationships
- Make informed, confident choices
- Understand and assert their own boundaries
- Recognise and avoid harmful behaviours
- Know how to seek help if they ever feel unsafe
Talking about consent doesn’t have to be awkward. It’s about weaving small, natural and honest conversations into everyday life.
Top tips for starting the conversation
• Incorporate consent into everyday conversations and situations:
"When you're out with friends, do you think it's important to make sure everyone is comfortable with what's going on?"
• Make it a conversation about respect and boundaries – including emotional boundaries:
“What does a healthy relationship look like to you?”
• Normalise respect and boundaries in all relationships:
"Do you think someone who truly cares about you would make you feel uncomfortable?”
• Discuss real-life scenarios:
"You’re going out later… if someone asks you to do something you're not comfortable with, how would you handle that?"
• Use other people’s interactions as casual teachable moments:
"I noticed that some people don’t always ask before hugging someone or borrowing their stuff. Do you think it's important to check in with others before doing that?"
• Use media, films and TV programmes as conversation starters:
"I was watching a TV show/movie that made me think about how important it is to respect someone's boundaries. What do you think about that?"
• Be open, non-judgmental and validate their experiences:
"Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t feel like someone respected your space? I want you to know you are safe to talk to me."
• Avoid having the ‘big talk’ and keep it natural, relaxed, and ongoing:
By regularly incorporating these types of questions and comments into conversations, you can help normalise discussions around consent and healthy relationships.
Hear from experts on why it is so important to talk to your children about consent, and their top tips on how to start these conversations
Shifting the taboo
We need to change the belief that talking about sexual activity is something to be avoided. When we normalise these conversations, we empower young people to set boundaries, speak up, and protect themselves and others.
Need support?
If your teenager tells you about harmful sexual behaviour they have experienced:
- Reassure them. They are not alone.
- Seek support. Help is available for both you and your child.
- Report. Any sexual offences should be reported to police.
Keeping the conversation going
Consent is about communication, respect, and safety. When you start these conversations at home, you’re helping create a culture where consent is understood, valued, and expected.
More resources