Rachel Morrogh

Launched today as part of DRCC’s national We-Consent campaign, the research shows that while most people believe they personally understand consent, many still hold beliefs that undermine it in practice. 

The research was undertaken by Opinions Research and creative agency Language in April 2025.

DRCC chief executive Rachel Morrogh said: “Young men aged 18 to 24 are the least confident in their understanding of consent, with 16 per cent unsure what it means.

“While surprising given their recent school experience, the updated SPHE curriculum with its stronger focus on consent education is still being embedded, so its full impact remains to be seen.

“Encouragingly, this uncertainty may reflect greater awareness of the complexity of consent.

“Unlike previous generations who just assumed they understood consent, today’s young men are more exposed to its nuances — such as ongoing consent, non-verbal cues, power dynamics — and may just be more honest about their confusion. 

“This openness signals deeper engagement and real learning. It also highlights the need for ongoing education beyond school, helping young people build confidence as they navigate more complex relationships.”

The research also highlights concern that nearly one in four men under 45 would “probably keep going” despite suspecting their partner isn’t enjoying a sexual encounter. Most worryingly, agreement with this statement has risen by three per cent within this age group since 2024’s research.

DRCC says this points to a fundamental misunderstanding of consent as an ongoing process that requires active listening and respect. Such attitudes risk normalising pressure and boundary violations, which can cause often lifetime harm and trauma.

Sarah Monaghan, We-Consent manager, said: “Some 43 per cent of men aged under 45 believe the harmful myth that ‘sometimes people say no when they want convincing’.

“Alarmingly, this is up eight per cent since our last survey in January 2024, showing that regressive narratives about masculinity, sex, and power are not only persisting, but may be gaining ground. 

“This belief is deeply rooted in decades of cultural messaging, from film and television to advertising and romantic literature, that casts men as pursuers who must persist and ‘win over’ reluctant partners.

“For generations, the idea that ‘no’ actually means ‘try harder’ has been romanticised, but in reality, it’s a dangerous distortion.

“We need to unlearn the idea that consent means convincing someone to say yes. Real consent is about mutual enthusiasm and respect — not pressure or persistence.”

The research also found that 84 per cent of respondents feel comfortable having consent conversations with partners, but this drops to 66 per cent among young men aged 18-24.

While 69 per cent believe schools play a key role in consent education, 87 per cent place responsibility on parents — signalling that efforts must extend across families, schools, communities, and media. 

“Despite persistent myths, the research reveals a clear appetite for learning and growth, emphasising the importance of continued education and open dialogue to foster a culture of enthusiastic and respectful consent,” Ms Morrogh concluded.