Cheryl M. Bradshaw - Real Talk About Sex and Consent: What Every Teen Needs to Know

Real Talk about Sex and Consent is a current and engaging guide for teens using language they understand and stories they can relate to. Bradshaws skillful use of metaphors and acronyms makes key concepts about consent easy for readers to understand and put into action. It is also an invaluable tool for parents and other caring adults in the lives of young people who want to have meaningful conversations with them about this important topic. My stepdaughters will definitely be getting a copy!

Saleema Noon, BA, MA, OBC , sexual health educator, and coauthor of Talk Sex Today

Written in a way that is honest, informative, and engaging, Cheryl Bradshaws book, Real Talk About Sex and Consent , is an important read for all teenagers, educators, and parents. In order to shift often unsafe societal views around sex and relationships, our young people need to know and understand their rights regarding consent and intimacy. This book provides life-changing information, as well as practical ideas and scenarios so teenagers can feel empowered and safe as they head into adulthood.

Jayneen Sanders , educator, and author of Lets Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

This book is timely, inclusive, and incredibly comprehensive. We have been teaching youth about their bodies, relationships, and their sexual health rights for over forty yearsand this book effectively addresses their most asked questions and demystifies the topic of consent. This is a great resource for youth and their parents to start the conversation about consent, healthy relationships, and preventing sexual violence. We would highly recommend this book!

Centre for Sexuality , organization in Calgary, AB, Canada, that has been providing relationship and sexual health education to youth in Alberta since 1975

Cheryl Bradshaw does a deep and important dive into the murky waters of teen sex and consent in her book, Real Talk about Sex and Consent . Not only does she bring clarity to the topic, but she also empowers the reader in the process. Cheryl compassionately and effectively guides teens through the basics of sex, communicating with consent, boundaries, alcohol and drugs, and sexual assault. This is a must-read for every teen, parent, caregiver, and educator of teens.

Michelle Skeen, PsyD , and Kelly Skeen , coauthors of Just As You Are

In Real Talk about Sex and Consent , Cheryl Bradshaw goes beyond simple slogans and gets to the root of why consent matters. Not only does this book help teens understand what true consent looks and sounds like, its a compassionate guide that teaches youth to better understand their desires, boundaries, and relationship needs.

Nadine Thornhill, EdD , sexuality educator, speaker, and cohost of Every Body Curious

Real Talk about Sex and Consent targets a deep and painful gap in our understanding of sexual intimacy. With her inviting style, Cheryl Bradshaw goes beyond the yes/no, providing depth and dimension to a topic we have only touched on at a surface level. Every teen should have the opportunity to move through apprehension to greater confidence in communicating needs and developing healthy and more fulfilling relationships. A true gift.

Erin Lipsitt, MSW, RSW , therapist, and mother of two teens

A ray of hope for our next generation! This book provides a clear and in-depth discourse on sex and consent, and meticulously walks the reader through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of total consent. Bradshaw demystifies the often misunderstood experience of survivors of sexual assault. A crucial read in the time of the #MeToo movement. Its a must-read for teens, parents, counselors, health care practitioners, lawyers, judges, and educators.

Kanchan Kurichh Keigher, MA, RP , registered psychotherapist; Ontario College Counselor at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON, Canada; and yoga teacher

I spend a lot of time discussing complex and sometimes uncomfortable issues with teens and their families, and I admire the inclusive and accessible language Bradshaw uses to speak to young people. She provides clear and up-to-date information around the use of contraception and protection from sexually transmitted infections. I would recommend this book to teens and anyone who cares for them who is looking to start a conversation about healthy relationships!

Gabrielle Salmers, FRCPC , general pediatrician

This book is an easy read that navigates through the fundamentals of consent. Using real examples that are clear and appreciable, the reader can understand consent and all the problematic avenues that an individual may face when applying consent skills. The reader is provided with an opportunity to reflect on the points presented to develop their confidence and values.

Lisa Perizzolo, MEd, SHEC , school counselor, and certified sexual health educator

Consent is a heavy topic, but there is none more important. Real Talk about Sex and Consent provides readers with the knowledge and tools to create their own road map for healthy and fulfilling relationships. Bradshaw offers an in-depth consideration of the many dimensions of consent, and the ways in which it intersects with gender, pleasure, relationships, identity, confidence, communication, and emotional literacyto name just a few. More than a sex-positive guidebook with real-life examples, it is also packed with practical prompts and scripts for reflection and discussion to engage parents, teens, and partners alike.

Jessica OReilly, PhD , sex and relationship expert, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast, founder of Happier Couples Inc., and coauthor of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay

The stereotype in media of the approach to intimacy is very real: the assertive party pushing their way to sex through force. From fairy tales to film, many youths have been raised with that vision. In reality, consent is a serious thing. So too, are the legal and personal consequences of failing to obtain it. Bradshaw has created a delicate yet direct guide on this difficult topica guide that has long been waited for.

Michael R. Larrett, BA (Hons.), JD , crown Prosecutor for Alberta Crown Prosecution Service Criminal Justice Division

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2020 by Cheryl M. Bradshaw

Instant Help Books

An imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Acquired by Elizabeth Hollis Hansen

Edited by Cecilia Santini

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Bradshaw, Cheryl M., author.

Title: Real talk about sex and consent : what every teen needs to know / Cheryl Bradshaw, RP, MA.

Description: Oakland, CA : Instant Help Books, an imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc., [2020] | Series: Instant help solutions

Identifiers: LCCN 2020012131 (print) | LCCN 2020012132 (ebook) | ISBN 9781684034499 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781684034505 (pdf) | ISBN 9781684034512 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Sexual consent--Juvenile literature. | Sex instruction for teenagers.

Classification: LCC HQ35 .B8134 2020 (print) | LCC HQ35 (ebook) | DDC 613.9071/2--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020012131