Author and educator Deanne Carson has recently found herself at the center of a fierce storm of criticism after suggesting that parents should seek consent from their babies before changing their diapers. This controversial proposal has sparked a heated debate that has deeply divided public opinion, with some supporting Carson’s progressive stance while others vehemently disagree.
Carson’s remarks, made during an appearance on ABC News, introduced her concept of a “culture of consent” within the household. She encouraged parents to verbally ask for permission from their newborns before changing their diapers, emphasizing the importance of teaching bodily autonomy from an early age. While some people have praised Carson for championing such an important message about consent, others have dismissed her proposal as unrealistic and impractical.
The debate gained further momentum when Carson’s interview was highlighted on Sky News Australia’s “Outsiders” show, where host Rowan Dean harshly criticized the idea, calling it “leftie lunacy.” Dean mocked the notion of seeking consent from infants, further fueling the firestorm of online commentary that followed. As the conversation went viral, Carson found herself defending her position on various social media platforms, attempting to clarify and explain her rationale behind the controversial suggestion.
In response to the backlash, Carson took to Facebook to reiterate the significance of teaching consent to young children. She referenced disturbing statistics on sexual assault to reinforce the urgency of her message, urging her critics to consider the importance of early education in fostering respect for personal boundaries. Despite her impassioned defense, the reaction from the public has remained divided, with some hailing Carson as a brave advocate for children’s rights, while others criticize her as out of touch with the realities of parenting.
One of the strongest opponents of Carson’s views was former New South Wales Senate candidate Kirralie Smith, who condemned her idea as “neglect and child abuse.” Smith argued that Carson’s proposal disregards the fundamental aspects of childcare and the practical needs of infant hygiene. She claimed that the suggestion would only complicate the daily responsibilities of parents without providing any real benefit.
Nevertheless, Carson has found support from a number of advocacy groups, including Facts Without Frenzy, which argue that her approach aligns with international best practices in child abuse prevention. These supporters believe that Carson’s call for teaching children about consent, even at a young age, will help lay the foundation for healthier, more respectful relationships throughout their lives.
This debate has led to broader discussions about the complex and sensitive issues surrounding consent, bodily autonomy, and the role of caregivers in promoting these values. Critics of Carson’s suggestion worry that her proposal trivializes serious topics such as sexual assault and may not be appropriate for babies who are unable to comprehend such requests. On the other hand, advocates view it as a bold step toward educating future generations about their right to make decisions about their own bodies from the start.
As the conversation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Carson’s suggestion has ignited a significant debate about parenting, consent, and the evolving dynamics of caregiving. Whether her proposal marks a groundbreaking shift in parenting norms or an impractical overreach remains to be seen, but the conversation is far from over. Both sides of the issue continue to engage passionately, with no clear resolution in sight as the debate rages on.
