Episode 334: On Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Minds: Teen Consent & Mental Health Wellness

As we continue with Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Healthy Boundaries, Healthy Minds: Teen consent and mental health, Sex Educator Sandra Allen joins host Christina Droumtsekas to dive into what consent looks like, and mental health. We will unpack what it means to support teens through one of their most formative – and often confusing times. Together, we explore how to talk about consent in language that resonates with teens, navigate the complexities of identity and shame, and understand the impact of digital culture on sexuality. To connect with support related to this episode, or for anything else going on in your life, please visit www.dcontario.org/locations to find your nearest Member Centre. Many of our centres operate 24/7. Thank you for joining us, and we hope this episode encourages you to continue the conversation. If you have feedback or future content requests, please use the following link:link:https://forms.gle/o8yUPMss6wo8dP1X8  Resources: For teens: • SexandU.ca – A Canadian resource created by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. It’s medically accurate, teen-friendly, and covers everything from relationships to identities to contraception. • Amaze.org – Offers short, animated videos on a huge range of topics. The content is inclusive, affirming, and developmentally appropriate for varying ages ranging from young kids to middle and high school-age teens. • Scarleteen.com – A well-established, inclusive resource for older teens and young adults. It covers not just sex-ed, but also identity, relationships, boundaries, and navigating consent. • You Know, Sex by Cory Silverberg – An inclusive, illustrated book for tweens and early teens that covers puberty, identity, and consent in a smart, affirming way. For parents and caregivers: • SexPositiveFamilies.com – Provides excellent guidance on how to talk to kids and teens about bodies, consent, and relationships in age-appropriate, non-shaming ways. • TeachingSexualHealth.ca - Developed in Alberta, this site includes age-specific resources for parents, FAQs, and video modules to help support conversations at home. • Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights – Planned Parenthood of Canada, complete with quality education materials for parents and teachers, including tips for supporting teens in making informed, autonomous choices. • Sex, Teens & Everything in Between by Shafia Zaloom – A great resource for parents and educators navigating consent and healthy decision-making with teens.