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Few fathers talk about consent with their sons

Author
Newstalk ZB staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 24 Nov 2016, 9:51AM
A study has found consent is the last thing Kiwi dads want to talk about with their sons. (stockxchng)

Few fathers talk about consent with their sons

Author
Newstalk ZB staff ,
Publish Date
Thu, 24 Nov 2016, 9:51AM

A study has found consent is the last thing Kiwi dads want to talk about with their sons.

A researcher for anti-domestic violence organisation, White Ribbon, has found just 78 per cent of dads he interviewed do not regularly talk to their sons about what consent is.

Garth Baker told Mike Hosking it is a concern because many of a teenager's decisions are dictated by what is taught by parents.

"What's clear is that fathers could be doing a lot, lot more, right through the life of their son - so starting early, getting involved, promoting respect as a behaviour."

He said if they are not getting information from their fathers, they will look to sources such as friends, the internet, or pornography.

"And pornography is basically about abusing women."

The study also found there is a double standard around sex and consent discussions. 

When it comes to their daughters, fathers are twice as likely to talk about when it is okay and not okay to have sex with someone.

Mr Baker said dads know there is an issue and want to protect their daughters, but they need to be doing the same for their sons.

"There's still an attitude towards teenage boys, that boys will be boys, they're a bit wild, they're out of control.

“We can’t expect girls to take all the responsibility for their sexual safety; we need to teach our boys to behave respectfully and legally."

He said teenage boys do want direction about respectful behaviour and how they can have good relationships.

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