Most parents unprepared to discuss sexual risks with teens
Most Australian parents aren't prepared to discuss pornography or dangerous sexual practices like choking with their children.
Schools only made consent education mandatory in 2023. Specialist teachers still feel unprepared to discuss pornography with students.
Most parents weren't taught these topics themselves. Parents struggle to start conversations about them.
Topics like choking are especially uncomfortable. Choking or strangulation blocks the airways.
It can cause brain injury or cardiac arrest. It can happen suddenly with no way to predict serious harm.
More than half of Australian adults aged 18 to 35 have engaged in sexual choking. Many young people first encounter it in pornography and social media.
Research shows parents play a vital role in educating young people about sexual safety. Experts say starting conversations early matters.
- more than half of those aged 18 to 35
- Young adults who have engaged in choking
- 2023
- Year consent education became mandatory
- 16
- Age of Sydney girl who died
Why it mattersWithout early, open discussion from trusted adults, young people may think dangerous practices are normal or safe. But they are neither normal nor safe.
AustraliaAustralian schools only recently mandated consent education, leaving many parents without guidance on discussing porn and sexual risks with their own children.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 16 h ago
