Teaching Young Boys About Consent: Four Tips from Dr. Becky

October 3, 2026 - 23:22

Recent sexual assault allegations at Cornell University have sparked widespread concern among parents. Many have reached out to Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist known for her parenting guidance, asking how to approach the topic of consent with their sons. In response, she shared four practical tips aimed at helping families start these conversations early.

The first tip focuses on teaching children about body autonomy from a young age. Dr. Becky suggests that parents should respect a child's right to say no to physical contact, even with relatives. This builds a foundation for understanding personal boundaries.

The second tip involves modeling consent in everyday interactions. Parents can narrate their own actions, such as asking before hugging or tickling, to show children what respectful behavior looks like.

The third tip encourages naming feelings and teaching empathy. When a child understands how others feel, they are more likely to respect boundaries.

Finally, Dr. Becky advises parents to keep the conversation ongoing rather than treating it as a single talk. Regular, age-appropriate discussions help normalize the topic and build trust.