A recent post from Humans of New York (HONY) underscores the urgent need for young people to be educated about consent. HONY features candid images and stories from individuals across New York City, often addressing vital social issues. In one particularly impactful story, a young woman recounts her first sexual encounter and the troubling dynamics surrounding it.
“It was the summer between 8th and 9th grade,” she begins, sharing how she and her partner were merely make-out buddies. The relationship had its ups and downs; sometimes he would engage with her, and at other times, he wouldn’t. One night, while drinking in his basement, he pressured her into having sex. “My heart was racing and I was terrified,” she recalls. Despite her repeated “maybe” responses, he suggested flipping a coin to decide their fate, which left her feeling uneasy.
After their encounter, he told her to leave, claiming he heard his dad upstairs. That night, she wrote in her journal, “It didn’t happen,” trying to convince herself that the whole ordeal wasn’t real. For years, she felt guilty for her discomfort, mistakenly believing that she was overly sensitive. It took her five years to understand that consent should never be a game of chance.
A Broader Issue
This haunting narrative reflects a broader issue: many young individuals lack a proper understanding of consent. A recent study by Fusion revealed that 75 percent of men aged 18-49 had never even heard the term “consent” until they reached college. This alarming statistic highlights a significant gap in sexual education where the absence of a “no” is often misconstrued as a “yes.”
Parents may not relish the thought of their children embarking on sexual experiences, but when the time comes, it’s crucial that these experiences are healthy, safe, and most importantly, consensual. Both parties must fully understand that consent requires an explicit “yes” every single time, not a mere absence of resistance.
Shifting the Narrative
While many can relate to the story shared by HONY, it’s essential to shift the narrative. As we guide the next generation, we must teach both girls and boys that true consent is unequivocal—either a clear yes or nothing at all.
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Conclusion
In summary, the importance of teaching consent to children cannot be overstated. As we strive for healthier, more respectful relationships for future generations, it is our responsibility to ensure that every young person understands the significance of enthusiastic consent.