Originally published in May 2018, this story continues to spark passionate discussion in parenting and public circles alike.
A comment made by Australian author and educator Deanne Carson has continued to stir strong reactions years after it first aired, highlighting deep divisions in public opinion about consent, parenting, and bodily autonomy.
During an interview on ABC News, Carson suggested that parents should ask their baby’s permission before changing their diaper—not expecting a verbal “yes,” of course, but instead modeling respectful communication by saying something like, “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?”
Carson framed her remarks as part of a broader effort to build a “culture of consent” in homes from the earliest stages of life. “It’s about empowering children to understand that their body is their own,” she said.
Praise and Pushback
The idea quickly ignited debate. Advocates applauded the sentiment, saying it promotes respect for children’s bodies and helps lay the groundwork for understanding personal boundaries and consent later in life.
However, critics called the suggestion absurd and out of touch with the realities of parenting. When the clip aired on Sky News Australia’s conservative talk show Outsiders, host Rowan Dean mocked the concept, calling it “leftie lunacy.” He questioned the logic of asking permission from infants who are not developmentally capable of giving it.
Former New South Wales Senate candidate Kirralie Smith went even further, calling Carson’s proposal “neglect and child abuse,” arguing it risks confusing caregivers and undermining basic hygiene care.
Carson Defends Her Position
In response to the backlash, Carson took to social media to clarify her stance. In a Facebook post, she emphasized that she never suggested babies should verbally approve diaper changes—but that the act of asking reinforces the value of bodily autonomy and models consent behavior from the beginning.
She pointed to troubling statistics on sexual abuse and argued that early education around bodily respect can play a small but vital role in prevention. “This is about planting seeds,” she wrote, “not expecting infants to say yes or no. It’s about setting a tone for how we treat others and how they deserve to be treated.”
A Conversation That Won’t Go Away
Years later, the debate still resonates. Supporters argue that Carson is simply encouraging respectful parenting and starting necessary conversations about consent culture. Detractors see the approach as impractical, overly academic, and disconnected from the day-to-day realities of caring for young children.
Whether viewed as progressive foresight or misguided idealism, Carson’s comments have clearly touched a nerve—reflecting a larger societal conversation about how and when we teach consent, and how far is too far when applying modern values to traditional parenting.
