Teens want more advice about navigating consent but teachers’ sex ed skills are falling short

New research from La Trobe University surveyed 482 Australian teachers who deliver relationships and sexuality education, and found most feel unprepared: about two-thirds received no university training on the subject, and 77 percent said their preparation left them poorly equipped. The Conversation reports that half of schools don't allocate adequate time or funding for professional development, leaving many teachers uneasy about handling sensitive topics like pornography, abortion, or disclosures of sexual violence. Students, meanwhile, say they want more practical, emotionally honest guidance on consent and relationships than they're currently getting. Mandatory consent education became a national priority in Australia after the 2023 Teach Us Consent campaign, but researchers say sustained impact will require coordinated national investment in teacher training.

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