Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, offers guidance on how parents should approach consent conversations with their children. According to Anderson, these discussions need to be tailored to each child's developmental stage, taking into account what they have already been exposed to and whether they are asking questions about the topic.

The advice comes as a Cornell University case has prompted broader parenting conversations about when and how to teach children about consent. Anderson's framework suggests parents should not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they should consider their individual child's age and readiness before initiating these conversations.

The guidance emphasizes that parent-led discussions should be responsive to children's own curiosity and life experiences. Rather than imposing predetermined timelines, parents can use their children's questions and existing knowledge as entry points for teaching about consent.