You learned about personal boundaries in an earlier lesson. Respecting another person’s boundaries is important in all human relationships, but especially in romantic and sexual ones. To respect a partner’s personal boundaries requires asking for consent. Use the slides below to learn what consent is, why it’s important, and how to ask for it.
What Is Consent?Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a sexual activity. Consent means freely choosing to say “yes” to a sexual activity. Partners need to have consent for any kind of sexual activity, from touching or kissing to intercourse. 
Why Is Consent Important?Consent is the difference between consensual, or willing, sexual activity and sexual abuse or assault. Consent is a way for romantic or sexual partners to be clear about personal boundaries, and it is a way to show respect for your partner and their feelings. Without clear verbal consent, one partner’s boundaries may be violated, potentially leaving the person feeling used, angry, and ashamed. 
Who Can and Who Can’t Give Consent?To give meaningful consent, a person must be able to understand what they’re consenting to and the potential consequences of that action. That’s it. So, who is UNABLE to give consent?
How Do You Ask for Consent?As awkward as physical intimacy can be, asking for consent can feel just as awkward. Learning to ask questions like these can help:
Anything less than a clearly spoken “yes” is a sign that it’s time to stop and check in with your partner. 
How Do You Give or Refuse Consent?First, you have to know your personal boundaries and assess how comfortable you are with your partner’s suggestion. Only give consent if you are doing so freely, not because you’re being pressured. It’s always okay to say “stop” at any time, for any reason. If a partner continues to pressure you, be clear and direct about your boundaries. You might say, “You’re really making me feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to do this.” Then, leave the situation. |
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What do state laws have to say about minors and sex?
Laws vary from state to state, so you’ll need to use a search engine to learn about the laws in your state. Across the U.S., the age at which a minor can consent to sex ranges from 16 to 18, with some exceptions. An adult who has sex with someone under the age of consent can face a variety of criminal charges depending on the state.
What is consent?
What role does consent play when making decisions on sex?
What laws relate to the sexual conduct of minors?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
|---|---|
| Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a sexual activity. | |
| Consent is a way for romantic or sexual partners to be clear about personal boundaries, and it is a way to show respect for your partner and their feelings. Without clear verbal consent, one partner’s boundaries may be violated, potentially leaving the person feeling used, angry, and ashamed. | |
| Across the U.S., the age at which a minor can consent to sex ranges from 16 to 18, with some exceptions. An adult who has sex with someone under the age of consent can face a variety of criminal charges depending on the state. | |
