NSW schools unite with statement of intent on sex consent

Catholic, independent and government schools have signed a letter of intent to improve consent education in response to a petition from former schoolgirl Chanel Contos.

Students and parents will be at the centre of any change in consent education across NSW’s 3000 schools according to a joint statement of intent signed by the three schooling sectors.

Government, Catholic and independent schools on Friday signed the statement which admitted “more needs to be done” to stop school-aged children being victims and perpetrators of sexual assault.

Chanel Contos launched a petition for more consent education in schools. Picture: Instagram

The statement outlines facts that all schooling sectors agree on, including recognising “the voice and experience of students is critical in strengthening healthy and respectful relationships and must inform what (schools) do.”

“Student voice and student input is critical,” the statement read.

“Families and carers are critical partners in supporting children and young people in their intellectual, social, emotional and moral development, including as key role models.”

The statement of intent comes in response to ex-Sydney schoolgirl Chanel Contos’s consent petition, which shone a light on the horrific experiences of girls in Australian schools.

Last month top sex crime cop Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney said changing the definition of consent to include asking directly would be part of a new policing strategy. Research from the Law Reform Commission found that overall only 3 per cent of sexual assaults reported to the NSW Police result in successful convictions.

Kambala school, where Chanel Contos was once a student.

This week NSW Police launched Operation Vest in response to the consent petition, adopting existing technology to allow victims to report their attack online without triggering a criminal investigation.

The statement promises more detailed plans for student and parent involvement and a review of all resources currently available to teachers, which the Department of Education has already begun.

“Together with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), we will ensure that curriculum remains current, robust, based on best-practice principles, supported by quality resources, and delivered in ways that meet the needs of all children and young people in their communities.”

The statement does not outline any specific curriculum reforms.

Education minister Sarah Mitchell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

The final statement comes after a draft was sent to the Youth Advisory Panel, who recommended schools be clear about what they want to change.

“We need to hold ourselves accountable for turning this statement into meaningful action at all levels,” the panel’s recommendation said.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the statement of intent would also strengthen the parent-school relationship.

“The testimonies of so many young people have created momentum on a whole-of-society issue that requires a co-ordinated response across government and the community,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Through this Statement of Intent all education systems make a commitment to the young women who have spoken out with such strength: that we will do whatever is in our power to make sure future generations do not have to give similar testimony.”