This Is How to Talk to Your Son About Sexual Assault, According to an Expert

Atkins recommends that parents use the following phrases as often as they can to make sure they're casual but still reinforcing consent and bodily autonomy:

• "No means no."
• "Please respect my boundaries."
• "I feel uncomfortable when you touch my [insert body part]."

"The above statements help model boundaries and consent," Atkins explained. "Not only are you teaching your son to protect his own body, but you're also educating him on the importance of consent and how to respect other people's bodies."