Families need to openly talk to children about misogyny, consent and sexual violence. Here’s how to start | Stephanie Wescott and Jane Gilmore for the Conversation

There have been multiple high-profile alleged incidents of sexual violence against women and girls in news headlines this month. Some of them involve teenage boys.Families might find themselves having – or thinking they need to have – discussions with their children about consent and sexual violence.We know parents have an important role to play in teaching their children about respectful sex and healthy relationships – and countering harmful messages they may see online.But it can be difficult to know where to start.Before initiating the discussionThere are a few ways adults can prepare ahead of time.Research suggests it’s important for parents to feel confident when talking about consent and sexual violence so they can be clear about information and answer questions. Confidence also leads to better emotional regulation during these conversations. Ensuring you have a good level of knowledge yourself can support your level of confidence.Use accurate words instead of euphemisms and, particularly with teenagers, don’t try to soften the discussion by hiding from the realities of violence.According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, nearly 30% of all sexual assaults reported to police in 2024 were against girls between 10 and 17 years old. The number of sexual assaults recorded nationally in 2024 also increased by 10% from 2023.Children and teenagers need to know the facts and risks, and to be in no doubt that their parents will support them through any experience.How to begin the discussionFamilies need to have open conversations when it comes to talking to children and young people about misogyny, rape and sexual violence. This means all family members should feel safe to raise concerns, ask questions and cover topics without fear of shutdown or reprimand.A good starting point is to ask children what they have read about in recent media reports, what they think about the issues and what their friends have said. This provides an opening to important conversations that are not just about young people’s own personal experiences.A possible way to do this might be to ask: