Everyday Consent
You want to borrow your friend's headphones. What should you do first?
Ask for permission
Someone says,
"Yes!"
Did they give consent?
Yes—clear consent.
Your friend says,
"No thanks."
What should you do?
Respect their answer.
Your friend usually likes hugs, but today they seem upset and keep their arms crossed.
Question: Should you hug them because they usually like hugs?
Answer: No. Check in first by asking if they would like a hug or if they need space.
Finish this sentence:
Consent should be...
Possible answers:
Name two everyday situations where you should ask for consent.
Possible Answers:
Someone shrugs and says,
"I guess."
Did they give consent?
Maybe—not clear consent.
You aren't sure whether someone wants a hug.
What should you do?
Ask first.
Someone says yes to taking a picture together. Before you post it online, they ask you not to share it.
Question: Should you post it anyway since they agreed to the picture?
Answer: No. Taking a picture and posting it online require separate permission.
Name one way someone can communicate "no" without using words.
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Why is consent important?
It helps people feel safe, respected, and comfortable.
Someone stays completely silent.
Did they give consent?
No. Silence is not consent.
Someone keeps stepping away while you're talking.
Give them more space and check in.
Someone says, "If you really loved me, you would."
Question: Is this an example of freely given consent?
Answer: No. This is emotional pressure or manipulation.
Role Play
Show how to ask respectfully before borrowing something.
Possible Answers:
"Can I borrow your pencil?"
"Would it be okay if I used your markers?"
Can consent apply only to romantic relationships?
No. Consent is important with friends, classmates, family members, and anyone else.
Someone says yes but later says,
"I changed my mind."
Did they give consent?
Stop immediately.
People can change their minds.
Your friend says,
"I'm not sure."
What should you do?
Do not pressure them.
Give them time or accept their answer.
Your partner says yes to kissing but says they do not want to do anything more.
Question: What should you do?
Answer: Respect the boundary. Consent to one activity does not mean consent to another.
Your friend says,
"No, thank you."
Show an appropriate response.
Possible Answers:
"Okay! Thanks for letting me know."
Give three examples of personal boundaries people might have.
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Someone looks uncomfortable but hasn't said anything.
Did they give consent?
Ask if they are comfortable.
Never assume.
Someone says yes because their friends are watching and pressuring them.
Should you accept this as consent?
That is not freely given consent.
Jordan and Riley have been dating for a year. They've kissed many times before. One evening Jordan leans in to kiss Riley, but Riley turns their head away.
Question: Should Jordan continue because they've kissed before?
Answer: No. Past consent does not mean consent now. Jordan should stop and respect Riley's response.
List 10 situations where people should ask for consent in one minute.
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