Outrage as children are being urged to say no to kisses from their grandmother
Children are being encouraged to say no to kisses from their grandmother in a new move to educate consent.
It is the latest example recommended to schools to highlight the importance of consent and sexual abuse from a young age.
But parents online have slammed the idea.
One wrote: "World has gone mad."
Others branded the move as "stupid".
The new programme, called Respect Matters, has been adopted in schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
The Australian government says the move will help youngsters understand how to navigate relationships and deal with uncomfortable emotions. It is also thought it will help their awareness of gender equality and respect.
"We're talking about situations such as Grandma wants to swoop in for the big sloppy kiss and if the child doesn't want that to happen what can they do," Margie Buttriss, a childhood educator with HUSHeducation in Australia, said.
"They can respectfully say: 'No thanks Grandma, let's have a hug instead'."
Ms Buttriss added the example illustrates how no one should teach people where they don't want to be touched.
A previous programme in the country, called Victoria's Respectful Relationships, helped children also note the importance of a culture of respect and influence of pornography.
But campaigner Anna Hush, who runs courses with young adults to help educate consent, admits these workshops don't always work.
"The evidence says that face-to-face education is much, much better than online education in actually achieving attitudinal and behavioural changes," she said.
And other parents voiced their concerns.
"Our family hugs, prays, and loves each other. This agenda is another of Satan's tricks to destroy God's plan of a loving family," one man said.
Another posted: "I don't like where the world is heading."
A mum posted: "What is wrong with the society? Absolute garbage. Kids need a lot of affection and security."
One web user shared: "Stop the world, I want to get off."
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