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ABC under fire after sexuality expert claims babies need to give their consent before change of nappies

The expert said that parents need to make a habit of asking a child if it is okay for them to change the child's nappy to cultivate a cultire of consent in their homes.
UPDATED FEB 17, 2020
(Source: Getty Images)
(Source: Getty Images)

The news outlet ABC is facing some backlash after it aired a segment where a "sexuality expert" called for parents to take the consent of their babies when changing their diapers, according to reports.

A clip of the segment, doing the rounds of social media, shows "sexuality expert" Deanne Carson discussing ways to establish a "culture of consent" in homes, starting with the birth of a child.

Carson then goes on to give an example of how parents can begin doing that when their child is at a very age. She says that parents need to make a habit of asking a child if it is okay for them to change the child's nappy.

'"I'm going to change your nappy now, is that okay?" Of course the baby is not going to respond "yes mum, that's awesome. I'd love to have my nappy changed," Carson says.

"But if you leave a space, and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact, then you're letting that child know that their response matters," she adds in the clip.

The segment garnered ridicule on social media and was also slammed by Sky News commentator Rowan Dean, who called the incident "lefty lunacy."

"Consent for changing nappies. I'm not sure that would - I think that might get a bit - anyway, I won't go there," Dean said, seeming to be at a loss of words after watching the segment.

Carson's Twitter platform says that she is a "sexuality educator, speaker and author" at Body Safety Australia.

Body Safety Australia, a social enterprise, in its official website has stated that it works to protect children from sexual abuse with whole community solutions. 

"We work to ensure that communities work together to create a safer world (online and offline)... In empowering children with their rights' while educating families and professionals, the burden of responsibility is placed squarely on adults to protect children," the website states.

Carson also gave a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying that there are restrictions on when it is appropriate to care for and protect children.

"One in twelve girls are sexually abused before the age of six. Most of those by a family member or someone trusted by the family. If the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has taught us anything, it's that it's never too early to tell children that we care for them, respect them and will protect them," she added.

Many social media users pointed out that if one were to adhere to Carson's advise then their babies would be left with rashes, and that the whole conduct would amount to neglect and "child abuse."


After facing condemnation on social media, Carson took to Facebook to explain her stance: "Sadly, some people have chosen to ridicule me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the notion of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har amiright?!)


'Troll me all you want, add to your blog inches, but remember that when you do, you are negating the voices of these brave survivors of sexual abuse." 

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