Sexual Consent: Conceptualizations, Practices, and Education Among Texas High School Students

Abstract

This study investigates high school students’ understanding of sexual consent and healthy relationships. While many studies have investigated practices, concepts, and definitions of consent among college-aged students, this research focuses on adolescents. How do teenagers define consent? With the rise of the #metoo movement, has awareness of consent and its practice changed? This qualitative study interviewed fifteen high school students in Texas, ranging in age from 15 to 18 years old. The results of this study are clear: high school students participate in hookup culture despite a lack of education and curriculum of consent practices. This research also sheds light on social media’s role in educating teenagers about consent and healthy relationships.