Boys, Consent, Empathy, Health

I’ve Talked With Teenage Boys About Sexual Assault for 20 Years. This Is What They Still Don’t Know by Laurie Halse Anderson
Time, January 15, 2019

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This past January, the American Psychological Association released, for the first time ever, "Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men," calling attention to the harmful impact of "traditional masculinity," or cultural notions of masculine behavior that were previously seen as normal and acceptable. Redefining cultural understandings of masculinity, particularly in the #MeToo era, is critical in the teaching of consent. As Anderson's article points out, boys are sometimes misinformed around definitions of rape, sexual assault, and consent. Boys, therefore, need to be taught to recognize sexual assault and to recognize when they are complicit in perpetuating harmful behaviors. Boys also benefit from conversations that encourage empathy and vulnerability. Educating boys and teaching consent go hand in hand, particularly as more sexual assault survivors are empowered to speak up about their experiences. Schools need to consider what we teach our boys and whether or not we will work to define healthy masculine behavior and better inform boys around questions of intimacy, sexuality, and forming healthy relationships.