With less than two weeks left to participate, young Australians are being urged to complete the On Your Terms survey and help shape the future of sex and consent education across the country.
The national survey, run by the Australian Human Rights Commission, is open to young people aged 14 to 18 and closes on June 30.
It aims to gather real experiences and perspectives from young people about what they have or haven’t learnt about consent, relationships and sex education.
National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said young people who have already taken part are providing thoughtful and valuable feedback.
“Not surprisingly, young people are taking this seriously and sharing thoughtful insights about their consent education,” she said.
The anonymous survey takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will help inform recommendations to the Australian Government later this year.
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New report reveals the challenges young people are facing
The final push for survey responses comes as new research from Our Watch and The University of Melbourne’s Youth Research Collective paints a concerning picture of the issues young people are navigating.
The report found young people are forming attitudes about gender, sex and relationships earlier than ever before, while also dealing with growing risks in online spaces.
Among the findings, researchers found that young people often begin forming romantic relationships as young as 10-13, while sexual activity commonly begins around age 15.
Most concerningly, nearly one in three young people who have had sex reported experiencing unwanted sex, with some first experiencing it before the age of 14.
Finding that young women, transgender and non-binary young people are most at risk and are significantly more likely to experience unwanted sex and violence.
The online world is changing the conversation
Researchers say digital platforms have enabled space for new forms of abuse of young people, including image-based abuse, coercive sexting, deepfake technology and exposure to harmful gender stereotypes.
The report also highlighted the growing influence of the “manosphere” which is leading to concerning misogynistic attitudes in some young men.
Importantly, the research found that young people themselves are calling for more honest, practical and relevant conversations about relationships, consent and sex.
Rather than focusing solely on biology or risk, many want education that helps them understand boundaries, respect, power dynamics, pleasure and how to navigate relationships in an increasingly digital world.
Every voice counts
That’s exactly why the On Your Terms survey matters.
According to Commissioner Tsorbaris, while many young people understand the concept of consent in theory, applying it in real life situations can be much more complicated.
The Commission is now making a final push to ensure the survey reflects the diversity of young people across Australia before it closes.
“Every response helps build a stronger, more complete picture,” Tsorbaris said.
For those aged between 14 and 18, this is the chance to help shape the kind of consent and sex education future students will receive.
Visit the survey webpage to learn more and participate.
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