The Cornell 7 Case Is Sparking Important Conversations
Allegations involving seven former and current Cornell fraternity members have renewed conversations about sexual assault, peer pressure and consent. Prosecutors in New York have reopened an investigation into an alleged 2024 assault after a former student filed a civil lawsuit; the allegations have been denied by some of the individuals named.
For parents, the case also raises a broader question: How can children learn about respecting other people’s boundaries—and recognizing their own? Experts say those lessons don’t have to begin with discussions about sex.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Dave Anderson told ABC News that parents should “be calm and curious” when starting these conversations. He recommends considering a child’s age, existing knowledge and questions rather than assuming every child needs the same discussion.
When Should Parents Start Talking About Consent?
The answer may be earlier than many parents expect. Child Rescue Coalition says “it’s never too early to start teaching consent,” with younger children learning through everyday lessons about bodily autonomy, personal space and respecting another person’s choices.
For young children, that can be as simple as asking before giving a hug and accepting their answer. As children become tweens and teens, conversations can expand to dating, sexual boundaries, online interactions and recognizing situations involving pressure or coercion.
Consent education should also evolve as children grow. For adolescents, parents can discuss the importance of receiving consent as well as giving it, including paying attention to verbal and nonverbal signs that someone may be uncomfortable.
Simple Ways to Make Consent Part of Everyday Life
One of the easiest ways to teach consent is to model it. The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence recommends asking children for permission before touching them and encouraging children to do the same with others.
Parents can also give children appropriate opportunities to make choices about their own bodies. That might mean allowing a child to decline a hug from a relative, teaching accurate names for body parts and making it clear that children can always ask a trusted adult for help.
And don’t wait for one enormous “consent talk.” Instead, use everyday moments—television shows, friendships, disagreements and online interactions—to discuss boundaries and respect. As Anderson told ABC News, “It’s better to have 60 one-minute conversations than just to have one 60-minute conversation.”
