Voices: I’m teaching my kids the importance of consent. It should be part of Utah’s sexual education curriculum.

A Report on the Importance of Consent and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

A distinct smell of my childhood includes the smell of mothballs. My grandma’s house, closet, and clothes were thick with the smell. A hug and kiss from grandma was a hug and kiss from the scent of mothballs.

Although the experience at the time was not always welcome, I now smile on the rare occasions that I come across the olfactory explosion. But the memory has another meaning to me now: Should a person be allowed to say no to touch from another human without the threat of consequence?

I loved my grandma and spent every summer at her house in the crisp Washington air. But if asked, I would have refused her mothball kisses.

Now that I have four young children of my own, I have dived into the concept of consent and the importance it plays in a child’s development. The confidence it gives the child to show up in the world just as they are, not afraid of consequences when they stand up for their desires and bodies. My bookcases have more children’s books than adult novels, and sprinkled throughout those books are messages on bodies, maturation, and, most importantly, consent.

The Role of Consent in Empowering Children

Before mom comes in for a hug, my kids know that I am going to ask if they want that hug. And when they don’t, there isn’t a big display of disappointment — even though sometimes that’s a hard emotion to conceal. They get to choose what happens to their bodies and whether they want a hug from mom. That’s empowering to them, setting the stage for more serious decisions they will make about their bodies as they get older.

The Importance of Consent Education

Researchers suggest that consent should be addressed many times throughout a child’s life and into adulthood. Continuing to address the topic is a way to truly instill these values that have overarching benefits. There’s evidence that consent education has an impact of safer choices in sexual behaviors in the future and in academic success.

Utah’s Opportunity to Lead in Sexual Education

Utah is known to be a leader among other states in areas such as mail-in voting and juvenile justice. Where other states haven’t seen the benefits of enacting these important laws, Utah has ensured that its residents will benefit from research-based policies.

Utah has a chance to join other states by being a leader in sexual education, as well. The Guttmacher Institute shows that only 28 states require sexual education and only 18 states require that sex ed must be medically accurate. Utah is proudly included in both of those statistics, requiring sex ed in schools and requiring that the education be medically accurate. The next step would be for Utah to join the 10 states that also include consent as part of their sexual education curriculum.

The Benefits of Consent Education

Consent not only equips children and teens to advocate for their needs but also ensures they respect the boundaries that others set for themselves. Consent serves everyone. If children are taught consent throughout elementary, middle, and high school, they will be better equipped to leave the safety of their family home and respect themselves and others wherever they go.

Taking Action

Given how important this topic is, you can take action by calling your representative. In 2018, House Bill 286 updated legislation in sexual education and included refusal skills. However, lawmakers cut out requirements concerning consent. Bringing this issue up with our lawmakers will encourage them to include consent in their next update to sexual education.

Parents who are interested in reading books about bodies with their children can also check out “Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect,” “Amazing You!,” and “It’s Not the Stork!”

About the Author

Rachel Hyatt is a social work student at the University of Utah. She is passionate about education and has worked in special education and taught English while living aboard with her young family.

About The Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives, and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the importance of consent education in a child’s development, which includes teaching them about their bodies and making choices regarding their bodies. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article emphasizes the need for consent education throughout a child’s life and into adulthood. This relates to SDG 4, which focuses on providing quality education for all individuals.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article highlights the importance of consent in empowering children and ensuring they respect the boundaries set by others. This connects to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the role of consent education in preventing abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. This aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs

The article emphasizes the importance of consent education, which includes educating children about their bodies and making choices regarding their bodies. This aligns with the target of ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.

Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

The article highlights the need for consent education throughout a child’s life and into adulthood. This aligns with the target of providing learners with the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights, gender equality, and a culture of peace and non-violence.

Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

The article emphasizes the importance of consent in empowering children and ensuring they respect the boundaries set by others. This aligns with the target of ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children

The article discusses the role of consent education in preventing abuse, exploitation, and violence against children. This aligns with the target of ending all forms of violence against children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article focuses more on the importance of consent education rather than specific indicators or measurement of progress.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sltrib.com