On Your Terms: Youth survey on consent and sex ed
Australian Human Rights Commission
On Your Terms: Youth survey on consent and sex ed gives young people a voice in their consent, respectful relationships, and sexuality education. We want to know what you think about your education and what could make it better.
How will the research be used?
This research will be used to make recommendations to improve education in Australian schools.
Answers to multiple choice questions are grouped together and summarised. All written answers quoted in reports will be anonymous.
The research will be released in late 2026 in the form of reports, videos, social media posts, infographics, and media coverage. It will also be shared through webinars and other events.
By completing the survey, you are helping us understand how young people feel about their consent, respectful relationships, and sexuality education. Share your views and make education better for everyone.
What does the survey ask?
First, you will be asked if you understand what the study is about and if you agree to take part. Then you’ll be asked about:
yourself (e.g. age, postcode, country of birth, gender, and sexuality).
the consent and sexuality education you’ve had at school (what you’ve learned, who taught it, and what you would like to learn more about).
where you’re learning about consent and sex outside of school, including any experiences you may have had with online sexual content.
You will also be asked a few questions about romantic relationships, sexual experiences, and your views on consent.
Most questions are multiple choice except four where you can write in an answer.
It’s important to know: if you write something in the open-text questions that makes us think you or another young person might be unsafe or experiencing harm, we may have a legal obligation to report it. This is called mandatory reporting, and it’s there to help protect children and young people.
When is the research being conducted?
The pilot survey will be in field in late September-October 2025.
The main survey will be in field January-April 2026.
Are there upsetting questions?
The research team has designed the survey so only important questions are asked, and there are as few upsetting questions as possible. There are a small number of questions that might make you feel uncomfortable. Remember, you don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to, and you can stop anytime.
You can choose what you want to share. If you need to talk to someone or get support, we’ll include a list of support services at the end of the survey — you’re not alone.
We also offer resources on consent and respectful relationships here.
How long will the research take?
On Your Terms is a short 10–15-minute online survey. This survey is anonymous - we don’t ask for your name, and your answers won’t be linked back to you. This is a national survey run by the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission). It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education.
How do I take part?
The survey is open to anyone aged 14 to 18 years living in Australia.
How will my confidentiality and privacy be protected?
This survey is anonymous — we don’t ask for your name, and your answers won’t be linked back to you.
What if I have complaints or concerns?
This survey has been approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) [HE000498].The HREC makes sure that all research in Australia is done ethically and safely. This means the HREC has checked that the survey is safe and your wellbeing is protected.
If you have concerns about the ethics of this study or want to make a complaint, please contact the Human Ethics Manager at +61 2 8627 8176 or human.ethics@sydney.edu.au
If you have any other questions you can contact Wallis:
Call: 1800WALLIS (925 547)
Email: onyourterms@wallis.social