Consent education goes beyond ticking a curriculum box, it shapes how young people understand relationships, power, and respect.
For PDHPE teachers, this responsibility extends beyond content delivery; it extends to creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, reflecting on their experiences, and challenging harmful norms.
At Elephant Ed, we bridge the gap in these conversations by supporting students, staff, and parents to empower young people with the knowledge to make informed, safe decisions. We work with schools and universities to deliver evidence-based workshops on consent, respectful relationships, online safety, and sexual health. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based learning, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Meaningful Conversations
When students engage in discussions that relate to their lived experiences, they are more likely to connect with key messages and apply them in real situations. But how do we make these conversations impactful?
A Whole-Community Approach
Schools that adopt a whole-community approach create the most lasting impact. Parent seminars and conversation starter resources empower families to continue discussions at home. Reinforcing consent education through school policies, student leadership programs, and cross-curricular initiatives ensures these messages are woven into school culture, not just delivered as a one-off lesson.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space
Before discussing consent and respectful relationships, it’s crucial to create a classroom culture that prioritises safety and respect.
This foundation helps students feel safe to share their thoughts and engage in dialogue
without fear of ridicule.
Talk Early, Talk Often
These conversations should start early and continue regularly throughout the school year. Engaging in age-appropriate discussions helps normalise consent and reduces intimidation. Educators don’t need all the answers – they just need to create a space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to make respectful choices.
The Affirmative Consent Model
Valid consent is more than just a “yes” or “no”. Consent is an ongoing process of communication and respect. NSW introduced affirmative consent reforms in 2022, meaning individuals must actively seek consent rather than assume it. This model will be embedded into the 2027 NSW PDHPE Curriculum, providing a comprehensive approach to consent education statewide.
To PDHPE teachers leading these important discussions – thank you. Your work is shaping a generation that will challenge harmful norms and advocate for healthier, more respectful relationships.
About Elephant Ed
Elephant Ed’s vision is to create a world in which every person is empowered with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to make conscious, healthy and respectful choices about consent, relationships and sexuality. Comprehensive and preventative education plays a central role in empowering people with the tools to live a safe, productive, and fulfilling life. A significant body of evidence shows this
education enables young people and adults to develop accurate and age-appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
Since 2015, Elephant Ed’s preventative education curriculum has been delivered to more than 200,000 students, teachers, parents and employees across the country. One group at a time, we are helping people better understand and manage their relationships with peers, parents, teachers, other adults and their communities. If you are interested in learning more about Elephant Ed’s workshops, please contact us at:
