Overview

Consent is a vital part of healthy relationships – yet young people are often exposed to inconsistent messages about what it really means. This course explores the legal, social, and cultural context of consent, including how its understanding has evolved over time. You’ll learn how societal norms, media influence, and online behaviours have shaped the way young people experience and talk about consent today. With a focus on coercion, power dynamics, and digital risks, this session equips professionals to support young people in navigating safe, respectful relationships in both offline and online spaces.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the legal definition of consent and how it applies to children and young people.
• Recognise how power imbalances, coercion, and digital influences can affect consent.
• Identify situations where consent is not freely given or clearly communicated.
• Explore how online behaviours (such as image sharing) relates to consent and healthy relationships.
• Gain tools to talk to young people about consent in a clear, age-appropriate, and supportive way.