A discussion about consent has been ignited by an education expert, who suggested that parents should ask their kids for consent before changing their diapers.
Deanne Carson, connected with a group that teaches children about consent, spoke on Australia’s ABC news channel regarding the Saxon Mullins case, a well-known rape case that started a national dialogue on consent laws. Carson recommended that parents introduce the idea of consent to kids from an early age.
“We work with parents from birth…Just about how to create a culture of consent in their homes. ‘I’m going to change your nappy now, is that OK?’ Of course a baby’s not going to say ‘yes mum, that’s great I’d love my nappy changed’.
“But if you pause and wait for body language and make eye contact then you’re showing that child their response matters,” she explained.
Carson identifies as an educator and speaker on her Twitter profile and works with Body Safety Australia. This organization aims to stop child abuse and teaches kids from kindergarten through high school about respect for boundaries.
The group’s website states, “By empowering children with their rights while educating families and professionals, the responsibility is placed firmly on adults to protect children.”
The topic was later discussed on Sky News in Australia where Rowan Dean, editor of The Spectator Australia, called the suggestion “lefty lunacy.”
In response to critics after the interview, Carson defended herself on Facebook.
“Sadly some people have chosen to mock me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the idea of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har amiright?!) [sic],” she said.
Carson pointed out statistics showing how common abuse is among children stating her organization follows international best practices in preventing abuse.
“It teaches kids their rights AND responsibilities while connecting them with caring people who can help. It invites parents into discussions and respects cultural values,” she added.
Katie Russell from Rape Crisis England & Wales told Newsweek that many misunderstood Carson’s message. Russell clarified that Carson wasn’t saying changing diapers is an act or suggesting babies can give consent.
“She’s simply making a reasonable argument for creating a ‘culture of consent’ at home starting at young ages,” she said. “This is about getting parents into good habits by not assuming children’s agreement while teaching them they have rights over what happens to their bodies.”
Russell concluded by saying it’s hard to understand why simple respectful actions aimed at reducing future harm would be ridiculed when child abuse is so widespread.