Parents Asked to Consider Consent with Babies: Setting a Foundation for Respect
A highly discussed topic recently has been around the suggestion by sexuality expert, Deanne Carson. She proposed that parents should begin instilling a “culture of consent” by asking their infants’ permission before changing their nappies.
Carson expressed this idea during an appearance on ABC News, triggering a storm of opinions on social media. Her premise? Creating an environment of consent right from birth.
Now, we all know babies can’t verbally communicate yet. So, what does this consent look like? According to Carson, this might involve asking your little one if it’s okay to change their diaper, and then pausing for a moment to gauge their body language or eye contact before proceeding. Though they won’t say “yes, please do,” they may express contentment or discomfort through other cues.
Carson, who works with children from as young as three, believes that introducing these concepts at an early age is crucial in fostering an understanding of personal boundaries and respect.
This conversation piece has been met with a varied response. On platforms like Twitter, individuals have expressed both support and criticism. Some argue that tending to a baby’s needs, including changing a dirty nappy, is part of essential caregiving and should not be conditional on obtaining “permission.”
The advice also resonated with media commentators. For instance, Rowan Dean of Sky News Australia characterized the suggestion as “lefty lunacy.” Carson, however, remains firm in her beliefs and shared a detailed response on her social media. She highlighted that these consent practices align with global best standards in abuse prevention education.
Carson also pointed out the unfortunate ridicule that followed her statements, noting that such reactions could undermine the integrity of conversations around bodily autonomy and abuse prevention.
Amidst the debate, many online users have added a note of humor to the discussion. Yet, beneath these jokes lies a crucial conversation about how best to lay foundations of respect and understanding for future generations.
While Carson’s points have stirred the waters, they’ve also opened the door to an important dialogue about teaching young ones the value of consent and personal space from the earliest stages of life.
