Teachers can do their bit by encouraging their students to get on board, and it only takes 10-15-minute to complete online.

National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said the survey had already seen strong participation from young people across Australia, with responses showing depth and honesty.

‘We are very impressed with responses so far,” Tsorbaris said.

“Not surprisingly young people are taking this seriously and sharing thoughtful insights about their consent education.

“They are engaging meaningfully about topics that can be difficult to talk about.”

The rise in the influence of the ‘manosphere’ has seen teachers reporting a corresponding spiralling of gender attitudes in the classroom, often directed at teachers, with young people also experiencing higher rates of peer-to-peer abuse.

Burnett Institute’s highly regarded annual Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll Survey earlier this year revealed that only 42 per cent of its 15-29-year-old respondents said consent education was covered well in schools.

While young people are exposed to more sexual content online than ever before, the content rarely reflects real-life intimacy, Associate Professor Megan Lim, Head of Young People’s Health at Burnet told EducationHQ in February.

“Porn and social media don’t show the conversations that make relationships healthy, things like boundaries, consent and checking in with each other,” she says.

Tsorbaris said if young people aren’t offered relatable and relevant sex and consent education, they will turn to these less reliable sources, including their peers.

The survey gives them a safe, anonymous way to share their experiences and the results will provide guidance on how to teach relevant, practical and realistic consent and sex education.

“Many young people understand consent in theory but applying it in real-life situations can be challenging.

“Hearing directly from them will help improve education so it’s less awkward and far more useful,” Tsorbaris said.

The Commissioner said we can and must do better to boost young people’s understanding of consent and respectful relationships.

“Young people have a right to information that will help set them up...”

The project contributes to broader government efforts to promote respectful relationships, build child-safe communities and prevent gender-based violence.

While participation has been encouraging, the Commission is calling for a final push to ensure the survey reflects the full diversity of young people across Australia.

“Every response helps build a stronger, more complete picture,” Tsorbaris said.

The survey findings will be reported to the Federal Government later this year.

‘This is a unique opportunity to listen to young people and shape education that truly meets their needs,” Tsorbaris said.

“If we want to meaningfully reduce gender‑based violence, we need education that supports every young person to live a safe, respectful and fulfilling life.”

Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation with more than 70 experts and organisations, the survey is evidence-based, has been subject to strict ethics approvals and reflects best practice.

The On Your Terms survey will run until June 30, 2026. For more information,click here to visit the survey webpage.