As we wrap up our ReTHINK! Youth Anti-Violence project on domestic and family violence for now, thank you to our youth workers, young people, supporters for a whole-of-community approach to address this vital issue in our local areas and more broadly in our society.
In the above short snippet 
Youth Advocate and Educator, Daniel Principe @lastoftheromans, at 2Connect Youth & Community’s ‘Talks for Parents & Community’ discusses family technology agreements and teachable moments for young people relating to sex, relationships and consent; especially in the digital age.
Daniel also shared some practical tips:
How could parents talk about sex, relationships and consent with young people?
👉 Talk soon and have ongoing conversations.
Rather than having a one off big “Sex Talk”.
👉 Use teachable moments and media to make it relevant.
When you’re asked a question or if they hear something in the media, use it as a prompt to talk. Ask them what their views are on what they see online or in shows or watch something together and follow up with a question.
👉 Ask questions back to see what they already know.
If they ask you a question, ask them: what they know about the subject already? What do they think? What made them think of this question?
👉 Make it general or about people they know…
What have people at school said about ______? What do you think about __________ that happened?
We agree that the evidence is clear that young people need support, not shame.
Being curious, open, and have ongoing, shame-free conversations at home and respectful relationships education in schools = healthier choices, stronger boundaries, and safer teens.
We have to talk to our kids about real intimacy, mutual respect and consent before they get their information from elsewhere.
Youth Advocate and Educator, Daniel Principe also gets honest about what’s shaping young people’s views on sex and consent today in the video above.
Thanks, Daniel, for this real and research-backed wake-up call every parent needed.
We agree that early talks with our kids on respect and consent is a must.
Most kids see p*rn before they’ve had their first kiss and it’s teaching them that sex is aggressive, one-sided, and consent is optional.
Research shows early and repeated exposure to mainstream p*rn is linked to distorted beliefs about bodies, pleasure, consent and increases the risk of sexual coercion later.
Silence isn’t protection. Shame isn’t prevention.
Support, not shame.
Support is available
2Connect Youth & Community provide free mental health counselling for young people aged 12–25 and their families in the Georges River and Bayside areas.
For more information on respectful relationships, visit: https://2Connect.org.au/dfv
For more information on consent see Consent Can’t Wait at https://www.consent.gov.au/
If you are experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, support is available. Reach out to 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours).
The NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 (24 hours) offers free counselling and referral services.
Mens Line Australia offer free and confidential phone counselling to men on 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours).
Kids Helpline offer free and confidential phone and online counselling for ages 5-25 on 1800 55 1800 (24 hours).
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.