Teen Relationships & Consent: Key Concepts and Warning Signs

Age of Consent

16 years old

Romeo & Juliet Law

14-15-year-olds can consent if partner <5 years older

Consent Requirements

Enthusiastic, mutual, can be withdrawn anytime

Cannot Consent If

Intoxicated, incapacitated, or unconscious

Initiator Responsibility

Must obtain consent & read body language

Sexting

Sharing intimate images with consenting people 16+

Acquiesce

Reluctantly comply without protest

Sexual violence in culture

Behaviors/attitudes that normalize or excuse sexual harm

Warning Signs of Normalization

Jokes about sexual assault, pressuring "no" responses

Why Jokes Are Harmful

Makes serious issues seem unimportant; discourages speaking up

Challenging Sexual Violence

Use upstander strategies, speak up, and check in after

Direct (4 Ds of Upstander Intervention)

Confront harmful behavior "That's not okay—stop."

Distract (4 Ds of Upstander Intervention)

Interrupt without confrontation

Delegate (4 Ds of Upstander Intervention)

Get help from an adult/authority

Delay (4 Ds of Upstander Intervention)

Check in later & offer support

Power & Control Wheel

Shows patterns of abuse: emotional, isolation, economic, and physical

Gaslighting

Making someone doubt memory/feelings; e.g., "You're being dramatic."

Incapacitation

Consent cannot be given if asleep, intoxicated, or unable to communicate

Power Imbalances

Demanding passwords, threatening breakups, controlling friendships

Warning Signs

Fear of upsetting partner, limited freedom/choices

Healthy Relationships

Encourage boundaries, independence, respect, and shared decision-making

Jealousy, possessiveness, or constant monitoring

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Criticism, humiliation, or put-downs

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Threats or intimidation

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Pressuring for sex or unwanted contact

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Isolation from friends or family

Warning Signs & Red Flags

Physical Abuse

Hitting, pushing, restraining

Sexual Abuse

Unwanted touching, coerced sexual activity

Emotional/Psychological Abuse

Manipulation, threats, humiliation

Digital Abuse

Cyberbullying, monitoring, and sharing private content

Economic Abuse

Controlling money or access to resources

Quick Tips for Teens

Always ask & get clear consent

Recognize red flags

isolation, threats, guilt, constant monitoring

Be an upstander

Direct, Distract, Delegate, or Delay

Support healthy relationships

respect boundaries, independence, and equality

Challenge harmful culture

don't laugh at sexual jokes, speak up, offer support