Time to Teach About Consent in Sex Ed?

What’s the story?

• Maryland – the home state of Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh – requires sex ed classes to include lessons on giving consent.
• The legislation, which went into effect in July of this year, defines consent as:

“The unambiguous and voluntary agreement between all participants in each physical act within the course of interpersonal relationships."

• Dr. Melinda Paige, a child psychologist, told WXIA in Atlanta that in the #MeToo era it’s important to teach children about more than sex.

“We used to say, ‘No means no,’ and now we say, ‘Yes means yes,’ and we talk about communication.”

What do you think?

Besides Maryland, only California requires that consent be taught in sexual education programs. Should more states add consent instruction? Tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / leminuit)