Rules and Factors for (Sexual) CONSENT

CONSENT IS: CLEAR, Voluntary, & Intentional words or actions that give permission. (use expand arrow to read more)

The term consent means, in it's purest sense, permission.  It can be used in any context but most often is associated with sexual activity.  IT IS MANDATORY to give AND get consent when involved with Sexual Activity.  NOTE:  Past consent does not automatically give current consent and people can change their minds!

"What if my partner and I are sexually active and I want to start something. Do I have to ask every time" .  Technically yes BUT that's when ongoing communication in a relationship is important.  Note the definition above says CLEAR and VOLUNTARY words or actions that give permission.    In addition though, consent is not just a simple YES or NO.  You must also be clear as to what is okay and what is not okay aka, what are your boundaries with intimacy or sexual activity. Furthermore, you must also ask and tell the truth about your age and let your partner know things such as your status (STD testing) so that everyone involved can make INFORMED decisions.  

Anything Less Than YES is NO

CONSENT IS NOT EVER able to be given under certain circumstances use arrow to read more

A person who is not of legal age can not give consent and even if they do, the other partner(s) can not receive that consent.  It is never okay if one partner is not of legal age.  The laws are different in each state and the laws/rules for PA are posted HERE. The short review is that the age of Consent in PA is 16 but there is a close in age exception (no more than 3 years).   

There are also laws posted on this link concerning how Consent can not be given regardless of age in an institutional or supervisory position or if there is an imbalance of power.  

Along with that, Consent MAY NEVER be given under ANY SORT of Incapacitation (such as under the influence of alcohol, drugs or while sleeping) or if any sort of coercion or manipulation is involved. 

Finally, Consent can never be given if the sexual act that is being asked for is illegal.  Again, laws vary by state

Below Graphic created by a student in the class of '23

Below graphic created by a student in the class of '23

Featured Photo Story


PHOTOSTORY-RULES OF CONSENT

Consent for kids


Boundaries for little kids
Copy of Children's Book, Consent: "People and Permission"

CONSENT ARTICLES & RESOURCES

FEATURED VIDEOS CONSENT

Consent is like a cookie, created by Ylaine Zhu from the class of 2024

CLOWN CONSENT created by Mason Raver, (Class of '23)

Consent: It's as simple as Tea (Blue Seat Studios, the classic video- clean version) * 

Consent: It's NOT as simple as Tea (Staffordshire University Students' Union) 2022 

Consent using a Sandwich as an illustrator

2 mins will change the way you view Consent (Campus Clarity) *see assignment

"Mixed Messages" (Pitch Perfect)

Consent Matters

The Basics of Consent (NSVRC)

Why We need to change the way Young Men think about Consent (Nathaniel Cole for Ted Ed, Jan 2020)

Lyrics changed in new Little Mermaid movie to talk about Consent (report on the View, April 2023)

MEMES about Consent found or created by students 

CONSENT IS NOT A JOKE.  These 4 memes submitted by students were tasteful and got the point across, some lighter that others.  REMEMBER, YOU NEED TO GET PERMISSION.  WHEN GIVING PERMISSION: MAKE SURE IT's CLEAR, VOLUNTARY, INTENTIONAL & Legal without any manipulation, coercion, or incapacitation. 

This Unit is a comprehensive although not all inclusive Unit on various topics in Human Sexuality (listed in the drop down navigation menu) that could be developed into a full course.   Content in the Unit ranges from GRADES 5-12 but OBVIOUSLY some of the content is NOT for all grades.  For a Top 10 list of reasons to include a comprehensive program for sexuality  / Sexual Health education rather than just Abstinence only Education, please CLICK HERE.    

ALTHOUGH ALL EDUCATIONAL,  STUDENTS NOT ENROLLED IN MR. CORABI'S HEALTH CLASS OR HEALTH CLASS AT THE ARTS ACADEMY AT BENJAMIN RUSH, SHOULD GET THEIR PARENT'S PERMISSION BEFORE OPENING ANY LINKS OR DOWNLOADING ANY HANDOUTS.  Other Teachers choosing to use information in this unit should use their discretion based on District Level, Community Level and School Level curriculum guidelines and policies. 

It is assumed that students assigned to Mr. Corabi's class or Health Class at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush have their parent's permission based on weekly communication via google classroom posts, email or letters given to students for parents/guardians.  Note:  A child can consent on their own for Sexual Health Education and testing at age 14 in Philadelphia, PA.