Students will be asked to drive their own sex education in schools, as part of an overhaul of the way in which consent is taught.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is surveying people aged 14-18 about their thoughts on consent and sex education following a rise in “harmful” gender attitudes in the classroom.
National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said if relatable and relevant sex and consent education was not provided, young people would turn to less reliable sources like porn, social media or peers.
On Your Terms is an anonymous survey where youths can share their views and experiences, and is funded by the Federal Education Department.
“The findings will help improve how consent, respectful relationships, and sex education is taught,” Ms Tsorbaris said.
“Teachers are reporting a rise in harmful gender attitudes in the classroom, and young people are experiencing higher rates of peer-to-peer abuse.
“This survey is a unique opportunity to listen to young people and find out what is working well in schools, and where respectful relationships education needs strengthening.”
Ms Tsorbaris said many teenagers understood consent in theory but applying it in real-life situations could be challenging.
“I am hoping young people will tell us how to make sex education less awkward and far more useful,” she said.
“This survey will give us direct insights from young Australians, so that recommendations for improvements are grounded in lived experience.”
Ms Tsorbaris said we can and must do better to boost young people’s understanding of consent and respectful relationships.
“If we want to meaningfully reduce gender-based violence, we need education that supports every young person to live a safe, respectful and fulfilling life,” she said.
The findings will be released later this year.
