On social media, a sexuality expert who advocated for parents to get their child’s consent before changing their diaper has drawn criticism.
During her Tuesday appearance on ABC, Deanne Carson discussed the need of creating a “culture of consent” in the family from birth.
According to her website, Ms. Carson describes herself as a “sexuality educator, researcher, speaker, author, and ultimate keeper of a straight face when dispelling children’s misconceptions about bodies and baby making.”
When changing diapers, Ms. Carson gave an example of how parents might start putting the culture into practice..
To view the video, scroll down.
‘I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?’ she asked. Naturally, the infant won’t say, “Yes, mom, that’s fantastic.” Changing my diaper would be wonderful.
“However, you’re communicating to that child that their response counts if you give them space, wait for body language, and then make eye contact.”
Later that night, her appearance was broadcast on Sky News, where commentator Rowan Dean seemed shocked by the remarks and called them “lefty lunacy.”
After watching the episode, Mr. Dean seemed at a loss for words and said, “Consent for changing nappies.” That might get a little bit, but I’m not sure. I won’t go there, though.
Since then, some on Facebook and Twitter have questioned Ms. Carson’s remarks, with some vehemently disagreeing with her position.
Those incensed included Kirralie Smith, a 2016 Senate candidate for the right-wing Australian Liberty Alliance who this year joined Liberal defector Cory Bernardi’s Australian Conservatives party.
“This goes far beyond lunacy!” she commented on Facebook. This is child abuse and neglect!
Many kids don’t want their diapers changed. Requesting their consent is a clear sign of major mental health issues. It is necessary to change the child’s diapers to avoid severe skin damage and discomfort.
The fact that ABC really used our tax money to support this stupid viewpoint is even worse.
‘Deanne Carson: relationship and sexuality education’ is a message that Ms. Carson wrote on her Facebook page Thursday morning, providing additional context for her remarks.
The other day, I spoke in an interview on educating young children to provide consent.
It was a reaction to the Four Corners segment that featured the extraordinarily brave Saxon Mullins.
Regretfully, some people have decided to make fun of me (oh no! Pink hair! (You must be a lesbian!) and the idea of granting babies physical autonomy (poo in diapers, huh?
She continued by providing statistics regarding sexual assault, stating that one in seven boys and one in three girls will experience it by the time they become eighteen.
Ms. Carson described how her work with parents, teachers, and kids focuses on prevention while teaching responsibility and putting young people in touch with resources.
“You can troll me all you want and increase the number of blog posts you have, but keep in mind that you are diminishing the voices of these courageous victims of sexual abuse.”
A video of ladies hearing testimonies of sexual assault before meeting the survivors was included with the post.
In her letter, several people expressed their support for Ms. Carson, telling her that she is doing a “great job” and that she is “right on the money.”
A sexual assault survivor who disagreed with her statement left a comment on the post.
Ms. Carson is a “sexuality educator, speaker, and author” at Body Safety Australia, according to her Twitter account.
According to the official website, the social enterprise uses community-wide solutions to prevent child sexual abuse.
Our goal is to make sure that communities collaborate to make the world safer, both online and off.
“By empowering children with their rights and educating professionals and families, the onus of responsibility for protecting children is placed squarely on adults.”
Ms. Carson frequently contributes to various publications, such as SBS and Kidspot, is asked to comment on pertinent radio shows, and is cited in national media.
Ms. Carson told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that there are limitations on when it is suitable to look after and safeguard youngsters.
Before the age of six, one out of every twelve females experiences sexual abuse. According to her, the majority of those were from family members or others the family trusted.
It’s never too early to let kids know that we value, respect, and will protect them, according to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
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