Consent Awareness Week October 19-23
Comox Valley Schools holding Consent Awareness Week October 19-23
Comox Valley, B.C. – Comox Valley Schools will honour Consent Awareness Week from Oct. 19 to 23 with age-appropriate lessons and activities focused on respect, personal boundaries, asking permission and listening to others.
The week raises awareness of how consent shapes everyday interactions and relationships. For younger students, learning begins with simple ideas: understanding yes and no, asking before giving someone a hug, respecting personal space and stopping when someone says they are uncomfortable.
As students grow, these conversations build on that foundation to explore respectful friendships, healthy relationships and boundaries, including online. Lessons and discussions will reflect students’ ages and stages of development, helping them communicate their choices, respect others and recognize when to seek support.
“Learning about consent starts with everyday moments: asking permission, listening to someone’s answer and respecting their boundaries,” said Dr. Jeremy Morrow, superintendent of Comox Valley Schools. “These are skills students can practise at every age. We want every student to know their voice matters and that they have a responsibility to respect the voices of others.”
Consent Awareness Week supports the district’s ongoing commitment to implementing the recommendations of its Gender-Based Violence Working Committee. The committee’s report to the Board of Education calls for stronger student education, support for staff and a culture of consent throughout the district.
The committee’s work drew on feedback from students, staff, families and community organizations, along with a review of district policies and practices. Its recommendations guide continued efforts to strengthen prevention, response and support.
This work also supports the district’s new Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy, adopted by the Board of Education in June 2026. The policy affirms a commitment to safe, supportive and inclusive learning and working environments, and identifies prevention education as a key part of promoting consent, safety and respectful relationships.
Families can reinforce Consent Awareness Week learning through everyday conversations about asking permission, expressing boundaries and accepting another person’s answer without pressure. These conversations help students understand that consent is freely given and that people can change their minds.
Comox Valley Schools thanks educators, committee members, community partners and families for supporting this work and helping students practise respect and care throughout the year.
Families, students and staff are encouraged to explore the district’s report, policy and resources, along with provincial information and supports:
SD 71 Gender-Based Violence Resources and Supports Webpage
Gender-Based Violence Working Committee report to the Board of Education
