Consent Myths Every Teen Should Know
Introduction
Think you know what consent means? You might be surprised. There are a lot of confusing messages out there—on social media, in movies, in schools, and from friends. Some of them are harmless. Others? Totally wrong. And when it comes to something as important as consent, those myths can lead to serious misunderstandings.
In this post, we’ll bust some of the most common myths about consent—and explain the truth behind them. Whether you're dating, hooking up, or just learning about healthy relationships, this is stuff every teen should know.
What Is Consent, Really?
Consent is freely given, enthusiastic, informed, specific, and reversible. It means that both people clearly agree to what’s happening—without pressure, fear, confusion, or being too drunk/high to decide.
If it's not a clear yes, it’s a no.
If someone can’t say yes, it’s also a no.
“Consent is ongoing, mutual, and freely given. It is the feeling of being safe to say ‘no’ and have that ‘no’ be respected. Consent is the freedom to decide who you want to be intimate with, and on what terms.”
Myth #1: “If they didn’t say no, it’s consent”
Reality: Silence is not consent. Just because someone doesn’t scream or push you away doesn’t mean they’re okay with what’s happening. People freeze, get scared, or go along because they don’t feel safe saying no. Consent has to be actively and clearly given.
Look for a yes, not the absence of a no.
Myth #2: “If they said yes before, they always mean yes”
Reality: Consent can change at any time. Just because someone agreed to something once doesn’t mean they’re agreeing forever. Even in a long-term relationship, people can say no. And if they do? You have to stop.
Consent is ongoing, not a one-time deal.
Myth #3: “If you flirt or kiss, you’re agreeing to more”
Reality: Flirting, kissing, or wearing certain clothes doesn’t mean someone wants sex. People flirt for fun. A kiss doesn’t automatically lead to anything else. You should never assume someone wants more just because of what they’re wearing, saying, or doing.
Ask. Don’t assume.
Myth #4: “It’s not assault if you’re in a relationship”
Reality: Being in a relationship doesn’t give anyone the right to your body. If someone pressures, forces, or manipulates you into doing things you don’t want to do—even if you’re dating or married—that’s not okay. You always have the right to say no.
Love includes respecting boundaries.
Myth #5: “Drunk people can still give consent”
Reality: If someone is too drunk or high to think straight, they can’t legally or ethically consent. Full stop. Taking advantage of someone who’s intoxicated is not just wrong—it can be a crime.
No one can give proper consent when they’re out of it.
Myth #6: “Boys always want sex, so consent doesn’t matter”
Reality: That’s a harmful stereotype. Not all boys want sex all the time. And yes, boys can be pressured, manipulated, or assaulted too. Everyone—regardless of gender—has the right to consent. It’s not weak to say no. It’s strong.
Consent applies to everyone.
Myth #7: “If someone doesn’t fight back, it’s not assault”
Reality: People react to fear in different ways. Some freeze. Some go silent. Some feel too scared or shocked to react. Lack of physical resistance doesn’t mean it’s not serious.
No fight doesn’t mean consent—it can mean fear.
So What Does Real Consent Look Like?
Freely given – not forced, tricked, or guilted.
Enthusiastic – you really want to do it.
Specific – agreeing to one thing doesn’t mean everything.
Informed – both people know what they’re agreeing to.
Reversible – you can change your mind at any time.
If you’re ever unsure? Stop and ask.
Final Thought: Consent Is About Respect
Learning about consent isn’t just about avoiding trouble—it’s about building trust, communication, and respect. Whether you’re dating, just talking, or thinking about getting physical with someone, being clear and kind about boundaries matters.
You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to have control. And so does everyone else.
FAQ’s
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In the UK, the age of sexual consent is 16. It’s the same for everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality.
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Yes. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. If someone changes their mind—even in the middle—you must stop.
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Absolutely. Sharing sexual images, sexting, or pressuring someone online also requires consent. And sharing intimate pictures without permission is illegal.
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Yes. If something happened without your full, clear consent—even without a “no”—you have every right to speak up, get support, or report it.
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You’re not alone. You can talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or school nurse—or contact one of these confidential support services:
Childline – 0800 1111
Brook
Rape Crisis England & Wales
NSPCC
