The Australian curriculum is continuously contested and countless interest groups want to add new things in. So it’s a big win for the ‘Teach Us Consent’ campaign to have consent education added to the curriculum from 2023. In this episode, we speak to the founder of the campaign, Chanel Contos, who collected thousands of signatures and testimonials from school students who had experienced sexual harrassment or assault while at school. How has consent been taught at school and why is it so important to teach consent earlier and in a more comprehensive way. And what are students and young people calling for?

We’ll hear from university students who keenly remember their sex education classes, and former Dolly Doctor, Dr Melissa Kang, who has recently co-authored a book for children and parents called ‘Welcome to Consent’.

*Trigger warning: This episode talks about sexual assault and sexual violence and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Domestic and sexual assault helpline: 1800respect.org.au

Lifeline counselling support: lifeline.org.au

Chantel Contos’ online petition Teach Us Consent: teachusconsent.com

Where to buy Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes and Melissa Kang: hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/welcome-to-consent-by-yumi-stynes/9781760507497

NSW Education Department Statement of Intent: education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/statement-of-intent-our-shared-commitment

publiceducationfoundation.org.au/podcast

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