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Aussie Children are being educated about consent and sexual abuse through every day examples such as saying no to their grandmother kissing them on the cheek.

The example is part of a move to educate primary, high school and university students about sexuality and consent in a teaching programme called ‘Respect Matters’, which has been set up by the Federal Government.

Part of the programme – which has been adopted by schools in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria – is about teaching students how to navigate relationships, gender equality, respect and how to deal with uncomfortable emotions.

Educators are calling for the programme to be adopted across the country to help reduce rates of sexual violence and the influence of pornography.

grandma kiss

Margie Buttriss, a childhood educator with HUSHeducation, said they used ‘child-friendly’ examples to illustrate their points on matters such no one should touch them where they don’t want to be touched.

‘We’re talking about situations such as Grandma wants to swoop in for the big sloppy kiss and if the child doesn’t want that to happen what can they do,’ she told the ABC.

‘And they can respectfully say: “No thanks Grandma, let’s have a hug instead”.’

“Or if it’s someone they don’t know, ‘let’s high five, let’s fist bump’.”

A discussion on the TODAY Facebook page saw people very divided about the topic with many people totally shattered for poor old gran.

“Society has gone mad. Don’t deprive children of affection .”

“I’m a grandmother to 8 grand darlings and I would be heart broken if my grand children didn’t give me a kiss or let me kiss them .. they are a extension of my children I just want to love them.”

“How about you teach them the difference between sexual abuse and love for your family.”

“WTF …. think I need to home school my kids. The world is f@#*d!!!”

“Can schools concentrate on teaching reading, writing and arithmetic and let the parents choose what moral values to raise their children with? ”

“How about schools concentrate on teaching fundamentals and leave the rest to families?”

“How about they teach children about bullying, real child abuse and sexual abuse and teach them where to get help when needed and obviously how to read and write. Leave the grandparents out of this, grandparents are there for love and support and family unity. What is wrong with this world OMG!!!!”

You may recall this story that caused a stir after one woman claimed parents should seek consent before changing their child’s nappy…

Do you think this is the best way to teach kids about consent? Share your comments below

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  • I don’t like grandparents kissing on lips but cheek should be fine as long as child is happy for this.

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  • I think it’s entirely up to the child to decide who they are comfortable kissing and who they want no where near them. We shouldn’t force them to do anything

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  • I think it’s perfectly fine for a child to not want to kiss or be kissed by anyone. If they don’t want it, no one should force it. Those old relatives you see a few times during your lifetime, it’s never nice to kiss them

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  • When the child is old enough just let them decide what they want.

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  • I think it’s acceptable, to be honest. Good practice for saying no to others.

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  • This is going overboard a bit I think. I would never force my child to kiss someone, but at the same time a kiss on the cheek from a grandparent is different to sexual abuse.

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  • I think it’s going a little too far grandparents need cuddles and kisses from their grandchildren.

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  • Kids need to be taught to protect their personal space in a way that doesn’t make them fear contact from everyone they know.

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  • teaching respect of yourself and others is very important


    • Respect is essential and surely most adults understand this and would not be offended. Raising independent and confident children that say no is a must!

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  • Teaching children to say “no” is a good thing and not a bad thing.
    Children should have complete control over their bodies.
    Families can still have affectionate relationships without hugging and kissing and surely respect is always the priority.

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  • Of course forcing is not ok, but you can drive it too far indeed.

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  • I don’t think it is the worst thing to teach kids?
    If the child doesn’t want a kiss or hug, I don’t see how that is a problem.
    Seen as through the sexual abuse rate is so high, I think it’s a good idea to teach kids to say no. Yes grandma might be a bit far but it gives you the idea. that anyone could be the abuser?

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  • I have always told my kids that if they don’t want a kiss they can say no and I have explained this to my family as well so that they know. I think it is important they understand they have a choice.

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  • They are not teaching kids to flat out say no to kisses from family. They are teaching kids that ITS OK if they do want to say no if someone asks for physical affection. There is a big difference. And why shouldn’t they teach kids that? I’m an adult and I wish I could say “ew gross, please no” whenever I have to just shake someone’s hand.

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  • I never liked been forced, that is the way I looked at it to have kisses and cuddles when young. I have as a mother stopped others from doing this to my children. I ask my grand daughter if she wants to be kissed or hugged. Her mother comes from a culture that is very hands on. Even at age of 4 I still think my grand daughter should have a say in what she wants.This is not a school thing but a family thing.

    Reply

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