Consent education is essential, but let’s be honest – it’s not always easy to get students to care. Too often, sessions feel awkward, out of touch, or like they’re just another box to tick. The result? Disengaged students and missed opportunities for real learning, which becomes a huge concern given that 62% of students and graduates have experienced sexual violence at UK universities.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this piece, we’ll dive into the key reasons why consent education often misses the mark and, more importantly, we’ll show you how to change it. With proven strategies to make these conversations relevant, interactive, and impactful, you'll be able to transform disengagement into real student involvement.

Why Consent Education Matters in Universities

At UK universities, the need for consent education is more pressing than ever. Research shows that only 59% of students feel ‘very confident’ about the definition of sexual consent, and just a worrisome 30% are ‘very confident’ about how to approach consent when alcohol is involved. This, paired with an increased focus on safeguarding and awareness through movements like #MeToo, means that universities have an ethical and legal responsibility to equip students with the knowledge to navigate relationships responsibly.

For students, this education extends well beyond the classroom. It’s about shaping attitudes that prevent harmful behaviours, fostering healthy relationships, and creating a culture of respect on campus. When students understand consent, they’re empowered to communicate their boundaries and respect those of others – a crucial skill not just at university, but throughout life.

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Tackling Student Disengagement

Despite its importance, engaging students on consent education presents a unique challenge. Let’s face it – discussing topics like sexual consent can be uncomfortable for everyone, especially when students are still getting used to their newfound independence. Some see it as yet another lecture about what not to do, and many simply don’t see how it's relevant to their lives.

There’s also the risk of students thinking that they’ve heard it all before. If consent education feels repetitive or irrelevant, you’re met with disengaged faces, minimal participation, and the general feeling that the message isn’t sinking in. So the question remains – how do we break through these barriers?

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Strategies for Engaging Students in Consent Education

The good news? There are effective methods for overcoming these challenges. The following strategies can help you make consent education more engaging, relevant, and impactful for students:

Speak Their Language: Making It Relatable

Students are more likely to engage with content when it feels relevant to them. Consent education needs to move away from clinical, legalistic language and instead focus on real-life scenarios that students can connect with.

For example, instead of focusing on rigid definitions, frame consent in everyday terms. What does it look like when asking someone out? How do you check in with a partner in a relationship? Try to make these conversations feel natural, not like a lecture.

Moreover, peer-to-peer learning can play a huge role in engagement. When students hear from their peers – people who understand their day-to-day experiences – they don’t feel like they are being talked down to, making them more likely to open up and participate in these conversations.

Tech-Savvy Talks: Using Digital Tools to Connect

Students live in a digital-first world, so why not meet them there? Consent education doesn’t have to be limited to lengthy workshops or leaflets. Incorporating interactive tools like gamified quizzes, short videos, and polls can grab students’ attention and keep them involved.

Brevity and flexibility are key here. Try offering bite-sized lessons that can be completed on the go. Consent education only becomes more powerful when it’s integrated into the social media platforms or devices students already use. This approach makes it easier for students to engage with important topics, without feeling like they’re sacrificing too much time or energy.

Keep the Conversation Flowing: Ongoing Engagement

Consent is not a one-time conversation, and it shouldn’t be treated as such. Universities must commit to embedding it into the wider student experience. Whether it’s during welcome week, embedded into modules, or discussed during student activities, consent education should be woven through every aspect of student life.

Creating spaces for open dialogue throughout the academic year ensures the conversation stays alive. It normalises talking about consent, making it easier for students to engage in these discussions whenever they arise.

Tailored Talks: Personalising the Approach

One size does not fit all. Universities must recognise that students from different backgrounds may have unique perspectives or barriers when it comes to discussing consent. It’s essential to ensure that your consent education programs are culturally competent and inclusive, reflecting the diverse experiences of your student population.

Tailoring your messaging to specific groups – such as international students or those from communities that may hold different views on gender and relationships – helps ensure that key messages get across, fostering a deeper connection. Personalising the approach ensures that consent education resonates with all students.

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Conclusion

Engaging students in consent education requires creativity and persistence. It’s about moving beyond the traditional lecture format and cultivating experiences that feel real, relatable, and resonant with today’s students. By incorporating relatable content, leveraging technology, and empowering students, universities can create consent education programs that truly make an impact.

Ultimately, consent education is about fostering respect, communication, and empathy. It’s not just a responsibility for universities – it’s an opportunity to shape a generation that values these principles in every aspect of life. And when we succeed in engaging students, the entire campus becomes a safer, more respectful place for all.

About GoodCourse

Universities use GoodCourse to improve student outcomes by delivering impactful training courses, built for today’s students – by pairing social-media-style content with expert research.

From being an active bystander to consent education, institutions trust GoodCourse to provide students and staff with the tools they need to build safer, more inclusive campuses.

Talk to a member of our team today to learn about how other universities are improving student outcomes, student safety, and meeting regulatory requirements.

FAQs

1. Why do students often disengage from consent education programs?
Students may find the content of consent education repetitive or irrelevant to their daily lives, especially if it’s presented in a way that feels condescending or disconnected from their personal experiences.

2. How can universities use technology to enhance consent education?
Incorporating interactive tools like quizzes, videos, and microlearning platforms helps make consent education more engaging and accessible to students, especially those with busy schedules.

3. What are the key indicators of success in consent education programs?
Key indicators include increased student participation, positive feedback, and a demonstrated understanding of consent in student behaviour and campus culture.