In a month where headlines have been practically dripping with alleged sexual violence against women and girls - some involving teenage boys - families are being gently (or not so gently) reminded that they might need to have a chat with their kids about consent and sexual violence. Yes, it's awkward. No, you can't just pretend it's someone else's job.

Research suggests that parents who feel confident about discussing consent and sexual violence are better at being clear and answering questions, and they also regulate their emotions better during these conversations. So, brush up on your facts. According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, nearly 30% of all sexual assaults reported to police in 2024 were against girls aged 10 to 17, and the number of sexual assaults recorded nationally in 2024 increased by 10% from 2023. Kids need to know these facts, and they need to be absolutely certain that their parents will have their backs no matter what.

Open conversations are key. That means everyone in the family should feel safe to raise concerns, ask questions, and discuss topics without fear of being shut down or reprimanded. A good icebreaker is asking children what they've read or heard about recent media reports, and what their friends are saying. For example: "There's been so much in the news this week about [incident]. Have you seen it?"

Don't make it a formal sit-down interrogation. Start the conversation in the car, or while doing chores. Be clear about your values - like violence against women is never OK - but ask questions and let kids reach their own conclusions. Questions like "What have you heard about this?" and "Do you have any questions?" work wonders. Keep the tone calm, non-judgmental, and open.

Avoid reinforcing harmful messages and gender stereotypes like "boys will be boys" or rape myths such as "women often lie about rape" or "men need sex from women." Even if your kid seems to agree with these myths, they might just be testing your reaction. It's crucial they hear you reject them.

Yes, talking about sex, violence, and pornography is uncomfortable. That's normal. Don't let discomfort become an excuse to avoid the topic. If you truly can't handle it, find another responsible adult - a family member or friend - who can be your deputy.

Research suggests that feminist approaches from parents, which center the safety of women and girls, as well as parental support for school education on healthy relationships and consent, help violence prevention efforts.

Beyond the news cycle, adults should regularly help children recognize sexism and misogyny in everyday situations. Harmful "jokes" about women can normalize the misogyny that underpins violence. What one person thinks is just a silly line might sound like tacit permission to someone else. Name and explain these harms when they arise.

Research shows that exposure to misogynistic content on social media can lead young people to support misogynistic ideas. So, parents should discuss the role of social media companies in spreading this content and help young people think critically about what they see in their feeds.

Starting conversations about consent as early as possible, and having them often, is the best approach. For younger children, this means age-appropriate talks about trusting their feelings, using correct anatomical words for body parts, respecting other people's boundaries, and allowing them to make decisions about their own bodies, like declining physical affection. Consent for little kids isn't about sex - it's about hugs and sharing toys.

Remember, misogyny, sexual violence, and consent are complex topics. You don't have to cover every detail in one conversation. Ongoing, open communication beats one perfectly crafted talk every time.

Stephanie Wescott is a lecturer in humanities and social sciences at Monash University, and Jane Gilmore is a PhD candidate at Monash University. This article was originally published in the Conversation.