Our Approach
Australia is experiencing a nationwide reckoning regarding sexual consent. Our national sexual violence statistics demonstrate that what has traditionally been taught to young people about consent is not working. So here at Learning Consent we are doing things differently.
We believe that all young people should have access to informative, relevant and inclusive respectful relationships and wellbeing education that empowers them to make ethical choices and enjoy healthy relationships. Our work is research driven; evidence based; inclusive and youth centred.
“Learning Consent’s approach to prevention through peer-led education is not only innovative—it is transformational.”
— Dean, Philip Baxter College
Research Driven
Our programs are based on current academic qualitative research with young people. At Learning Consent the researchers are the trainers. All of our training incorporates real-life case studies from research interviews we have undertaken with both heterosexual and non-heteronormative young people to facilitate reflective discussion.
Evidence Based
Our programs are designed in alignment with UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance for Sexuality Education (2018). The Guidance presents the evidence base for delivering comprehensive sexuality education within a framework of human rights and gender equality.
Our training methodology draws on two key evidence based teaching approaches. The first is the teaching of critical thinking skills. Our programs invite participants to apply their critical thinking skills to examine complex scenarios and cultural norms. The second training methodology we employ is a community of inquiry approach. The facilitator holds a safe space for participants to get curious about the nuances of our everyday experiences navigating relationships.
Inclusive
We strive to ensure that every young person engaged in our programs feels seen and included. Research demonstrates that young people are critical of the lack of diversity represented in formal sex education programs. In our own research, we have heard from young people themselves how isolating and harmful this can be for them.
At Learning Consent we make sure that the diversity of young people’s lived experiences is reflected in the content and delivery of our curriculum, so that all young people feel seen and can relate no matter where they are sitting on the gender and/or sexuality spectrum.
Learning Consent persistently contests the heterosexual privilege that disturbingly permeates much of the contemporary sex education taught to young people. Our own research ensures a diverse sample of young people, and our training reflects this.
Student Centred
At Learning Consent we operate under the assumption that young people are knowledgeable, discerning citizens who possess the skills to think critically and act ethically. We see our role as facilitating a conversation and holding a safe space for them to practice thinking critically about sexual consent. The end goal is that the young people we work with will feel capable of being involved in safe and pleasurable sexual experiences when the time is right for them.
We ensure that the examples we use in our training materials are relevant to young people, and wherever possible, expressed in their own words. We cover the issues that we know inform and reflect young people's lived experiences of consent – including sexual pleasure, pornography, social media and drugs and alcohol.
Learning Consent delivers cutting-edge whole-of-institution respectful relationships and consent education that drives violence-prevention outcomes for schools, universities and organisations.
We believe that all young people should have access to informative, relevant and inclusive respectful relationships and wellbeing education that empowers them to make ethical choices and enjoy healthy relationships.
