3.5.2 Consent: The age of consent I can explain what consent in relationships means. I can explain what sexual consent is. I am building understanding, skills and capacity to assert myself in relationships so that I can express what I want and don’t want. I know that I do not need to be in a relationship, and that relationships do not need to be sexual unless I wish them to be so. I can explain what the age of consent is. I can identify a place or person to go to if I have questions or a worry. rshp.scot

The age of consent in Scotland for young men and women is 16. The age of consent is the law that states what age a person needs to be before they can agree to have sex lawfully. The age of consent in Scotland for young men and women is 16. rshp.scot

1 OK we understand this 2 Not sure or We have a question Activity: The age of consent Sort the cards into 2 piles: 2 Not sure or We have a question 1 OK we understand this rshp.scot

The law: If you are 13, 14 or 15 and thinking about having sex or having sex, you might be worried about the law. If you are, don’t think that a professional person will be forced to report you to the police – they won’t be. Usually they will want to give you health advice and support you. The professional person needs to make sure you are safe and happy with the situation. rshp.scot

The law: Sexual health clinics have a lot of experience working with young people and they believe that you should get a confidential service. You can always contact Childline, they provide a lot of confidential information and support to young people your age. rshp.scot

Confidential means keeping your stuff private Confidential means keeping your stuff private. If you speak to a nurse or doctor, they will keep your information private. They will check that you are safe. They will not share information about you unless someone is harming you or you are in danger. Confidentiality means a nurse or doctor will not share your information with your parent or carer, but they will encourage you to talk to them or to adults you trust because they can also support you. rshp.scot

Activity: My 5 trusted people. rshp.scot

Relationships should be healthy, happy and safe. If you are in a relationship you have the right to be healthy, happy and safe. This means that: You and your partner treat each other with respect. You care about each other. There is never any pressure put on you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, worried or scared. rshp.scot

Healthy, happy and safe means: You never do anything sexual when you don’t want to. You never feel any pressure to take or send or look at images or messages that are nude or sexual. You don’t have to spend time with your partner if you don’t want to. You can keep your friends and see them when you want to. You have the right to break up with your partner if you want to. rshp.scot