Consent Among Adolescents: Knowing How to Express It, Knowing How to Listen for It

cp-consentement-231018.pdf

Published on 23 October 2018

Consent is a top priority for young people as they begin their sexual and emotional lives. It is regularly discussed in school-based sex education sessions (7 out of 10 sessions). Data from the 2016 Health Barometer reveal that 10.7% of women gave in to their partner’s expectations during their first sexual encounter, compared to 6.9% of men. As part of its Sexual Health program, Santé publique France has set a goal of promoting a positive introduction to and transition into sexual activity for young people. Because the issue of consent is so pressing, the Agency is launching the "OK, pas OK" campaign on October 23.

Youth Sexuality: Latest Data from the 2016 Health Barometer

According to data from the 2016 Health Barometer, the median age of sexual debut has stabilized over the past ten years. It stands at 17.6 years for girls and 17.0 for boys. In more than 85% of cases, these sexual encounters are protected by the use of a condom.

While the vast majority of young people report having wanted this first sexual encounter “at that time,” slightly fewer women than men feel this way (87.6% vs. 92.8%). Thus, 10.7% of women report having given in to their partners’ expectations, and 1.7% report having been forced.

The study also shows that sexual violence is being reported more frequently, particularly by women. Among 15- to 17-year-olds, 8% of young women have already experienced forced sex or attempts at forced sex, compared to 1% of young men. Although people are becoming more open about sexual violence, prevention remains essential because such violence has a significant impact on current and future health.

The "Ok pas OK" campaign: reflecting on one’s desires and everyone’s boundaries

On October 23, Santé publique France is launching a campaign on the issue of consent aimed at teenagers. The campaign is based on a series of podcasts produced by Delphine Dhilly (“Sex Without Consent,” Infrarouge) in which four young women and one young man share their experiences. The varied situations, experienced both positively and negatively, all illustrate the issue of consent.

Each podcast ends with a message emphasizing the importance of talking and listening to one another: "Saying how you feel, asking first, saying yes, changing your mind… When it comes to sex, you don’t always feel like talking or listening. But it’s essential for it to be truly okay."

"This format was chosen because we know that teenagers are extremely receptive to stories from their peers. These accounts will help them exercise their critical thinking, understand the issues surrounding consent, and develop the right reflexes," explains Lucile Bluzat, social marketing expert in the sexual health unit at Santé publique France.

The podcasts will be available on the Onsexprime.fr website under the "Rights & Sex" section.

A campaign on radio and digital audio platforms (Spotify, Deezer, NRJ Digital Radio, Fun Radio) and social media (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook) will also be launched to encourage teens to listen to these testimonials.

Onsexprime, the Santé publique France website dedicated to teens

The Onsexprime.fr website addresses all aspects of sexuality in a fun and educational way. It takes a holistic approach to sexual health, incorporating not only the aspect of pleasure but also the physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions. The site’s mission is to help teens have a positive introduction to sexuality by informing them and encouraging them to step back and ask themselves the right questions. The information is presented in a fun and engaging way (videos, interactive modules, web series, etc.) while being developed in collaboration with working groups and experts.