For Parents & Carers

Your influence can help

Nurture healthy self-esteem, respect and positive relationship behaviours, as well as your important role in speaking up when something isn’t right. The featured resources below can help you to navigate conversations and provide support about sex and relationships and you can search for more information on specific topics in the Resource Library and check out the sections for Young People and Educators too.

Here are a variety of resources

You will know best which ones are right for the age and readiness of your youngster/s but if you are unsure you could ask another parent/carer or teacher for advice or contact one of the support groups.

Setting an example of equality in the home by avoiding gender stereotypes about toys, books, TV shows, clothes, colours, sports, video games, activities and household chores and role modelling what healthy relationship behaviours look like.

Showing children that their ‘my body my rules’ choices matter by never forcing them to kiss or hug people, for example, with greetings and goodbyes – empowering them on consent and setting boundaries from a young age.

Getting support with healing your own insecurities so that you do not pass them on and avoiding put-downs that can affect children and young people’s self-esteem, leaving them vulnerable to false affections and praise from manipulative people and groomers.

Being visible and vocal in challenging any ‘lad banter’, sexism or misogyny and believing and supporting victims/survivors affected.

Avoiding silencing and trivializing comments and victim-blaming such as ‘boys will be boys’, ‘look what she was wearing’, ‘she should feel flattered not harassed’, ‘when a boy pulls a girl’s hair it means he likes her’, ‘stop making a fuss about nothing’ etc.

Avoiding assumptions, showing your openness and being inclusive, supporting equal rights, for example, of all genders, LGBTQ+, all races, faiths and cultures, and disabled people – this will make it easier for your children / young people to open up to you.

Being open and approachable for conversations about bodies, sex, relationships, peer pressure and online content, and making time to open up these conversations.

Staying informed about online safety, the latest social media trends and misogynist ‘influencers’ so that you can discuss and unpick myths and misleading messages.

Watching TV shows such as Skins and Sex Education that reflect young people’s sex lives and relationships can help stay up to date and be a talking point, especially with teenagers.

Giving feedback and support to change when you spot signs of unhealthy attitudes, sexism or imbalanced dating / relationship behaviours including when it is your child, friend or loved ones with problematic behaviour.

Access support for yourself and others affected by inequality or unhealthy relationships.

Featured Resources