Protection Is a Byproduct of Education:Why Honest Conversations About Healthy Human Sexuality, Consent, and Online Risk Matter Now More Than Ever!

Recently, we delivered our presentation “Sexting, Sextortion, Nudes, Intimate Images, and the Law” to the entire Grade 8–12 student body at a BC high school. Before we even stepped into the gym, we could sense some hesitation from the staff who organized it. We could sense the teacher coordinator, and the principal, were both a little nervous. Their school community leaned more conservative than others, the topic was sensitive, and some parents had chosen to attend. They weren’t sure how the room would respond.

However, based on our past experience with similar conservative schools, we knew they didn’t need to worry, but we also understood the concern.

From the moment we began, the students were attention locked on our message. Ninety minutes later, they responded with loud applause that didn’t let up. As they filed out of the gym, we were immediately surrounded by teens from every grade. They thanked us for being direct, honest, and respectful. They appreciated that we spoke to them as capable young people rather than as children who couldn’t handle tough but necessary information.

When the crowd thinned out, the teacher coordinator and principal walked over. We could see their relief, and both thanked us for how engaged their students were and shared how surprised they were to see sustained focus across the entire gym. They also noted the number of thoughtful questions students raised about what is often seen as a sensitive subject to speak about publicly.

What meant even more was the feedback they had gathered from the parents who attended. Several admitted to the principal the topic made them uncomfortable, but they also agreed that students needed this information. They saw firsthand that discomfort doesn’t mean the conversation shouldn’t happen.

The questions from students, and even staff and parents, made something very clear. There is still a significant amount of confusion, misinformation, and gaps in understanding when it comes to sexting, sextortion, intimate images, consent, and the law. Many had no idea how quickly a situation can escalate, how the law actually works, or what their rights and responsibilities are when an image is shared.

This wasn’t a failure of the school or its families. It’s a sign of a broader cultural hesitation to talk openly about healthy human sexuality, consent, and the role technology plays in both. When adults avoid these conversations because they feel awkward or fear “putting ideas in kid’s heads,” young people are left to figure it out alone, often by turning to peers, social media, or the internet for answers. That’s where real risks begin.

Fact, avoiding the topic doesn’t reduce risk!

Some believe that online protection comes from strict age limits, bans, or filtering tools. These can be helpful supports, but they aren’t substitutes for meaningful education. Avoidance doesn’t build judgment, silence doesn’t build resilience, and  blocking access doesn’t build understanding.

When adults don’t talk about healthy human sexuality, healthy relationships, sexting, consent, exploitation, or the law, young people still encounter these issues, just without the safety net of accurate information.

Our position has always been that true protection is the byproduct of honest and age-appropriate education. When youth understand:

• what consent actually means

• how sextortion schemes operate

• what the law says about sharing intimate images

• what to do if they or a friend are targeted

• how to get help without fear of blame

Youth and teens are far more likely to make thoughtful, informed decisions. They are also more willing to reach out for support when something goes wrong, which is so important!

Information doesn’t encourage risky behaviour, it equips youth and teens to recognize danger, set boundaries, and seek help early. Education doesn’t remove all risk, but what its does do is reduce preventable harm in meaningful ways.

That day in the gym confirmed once again something we’ve seen and experienced for years, when teens feel respected, they rise to meet the moment. When adults speak honestly, youth and teens will listen, and when we trust youth and teens with the truth, they trust us back.

Parents and educators don’t need to have perfect answers. They just need to start the conversation. The alternative like silence, avoidance, or blanket restrictions, doesn’t keep young people safer, it keeps them uninformed which then creates vulnerability.

Protection doesn’t come from fear, bans, or turning away from uncomfortable topics, it comes from education rooted in honesty, clarity, and respect.

If we want youth and teens to make informed choices before they hit “send,” we need to give them the knowledge and language to do so. That’s not just good practice, it’s real protection.

Digital Food For Thought

The White Hatter

Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech