According to statistics, in Europe one in five children under 18 is a victim of sexual violence in an isolated or repeated way, a really shocking fact. Experts insist on the importance of prevention, instilling in children a series of rules that help them prevent sexual abuse.
But an Australian researcher and expert in sex education has recently generated a great debate by saying that parents we should ask our babies for permission before changing their diaper, as one more measure when it comes to preventing such future situations.
Sexual consent
The sex educator, named Deanne Carson, was interviewed for an Australian television network, and her statements quickly went viral causing a wave of reactions, both favorable and contrary.
Carson insisted on the importance of teach our children from birth, what is sexual consent, so that they are able to manifest, from a very early age, whether or not they consent to an action that will be performed on their bodies.
Thus, according to the expert, parents should start asking our babies for permission before changing their diaper, and wait for your response through body language:
"You have to work with parents from birth on how to establish a culture of consent in their homes. We must ask our baby: "I'm going to change your diaper now, do you think it's okay?". Obviously, a baby is not going to answer: "Yes, mom. I would love to!" But if you leave space and wait to see how he reacts, what is his body language or how he looks at you, you'll be conveying the message that your response is important for you "- said Deanne Carson in television statements.
What do you think? A sexuality expert says parents must ask their baby for permission before changing their dirty nappy. # 9Today pic.twitter.com/t8vlNowLmr
- The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) May 10, 2018
The reaction among the public was rapid, and there were those who cataloged Carson's advice as "absurd" or "ridiculous." There were also people who claimed that it is more important to quickly change a baby's diaper to avoid bad odors or skin damage, than to waste time asking for permission and waiting for consent.
Others, on the other hand, applauded the advice and the need to establish a "culture of consent" in families since children are born.
But can a month-old baby give his consent?
The measure proposed by Carson I heard it for the first time four years ago in a parenting meeting that I attended with my daughter, then a baby, and I remember that it generated the same expectation and doubts: Ask permission of a newborn or baby of few months to undress or / and change the diaper? Is not too much?
In general, the advice seems good to me, because everything instill in our children the right to decide what happens with their bodies, I consider it positive and necessary. But waiting (or interpreting) the consent of a newborn or baby of few months to be able to change the diaper, I find it somewhat exaggerated.
According to experts, it's all a matter of habits, and although before our question the baby is not going to understand us or give us his approval, we will be teaching him the importance of respecting the body of others. Over time, our children will have internalized the question and that will help them understand that only they own their body.
As I say, the idea in general seems very logical, although I do not quite understand how we can interpret in the gestures of our baby if he agrees or not that we change his diaper. And if he cries or seems to oppose, we leave him with a dirty diaper?Maybe, asking a newborn or very small baby doesn't make much sense, but then, how old would he be? Because, for example, my two-year-old son runs away in the opposite direction every time he has to change his diaper. And although I try to explain to him how important it is to have a dry ass, he doesn't like the moment at all, he protests and stirs, but obviously I can't leave him with a dirty diaper!
What do you think of this advice? Do you consider that it can be another measure to prevent future sexual abuse in minors?
Photos | iStock
