School programs improve consent knowledge, but behavior change is less clear

The review points to sustained, evidence-based and culturally sensitive programs as promising ways to strengthen schools’ role in prevention.

Editorial illustration — not from the study.

A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that school-based programs generally improved participants’ knowledge and attitudes related to sexual violence, especially their understanding of consent and awareness. The studies included children, adolescents and young adults in primary, secondary and higher education settings.

Evidence that the programs changed behavior was less common and often limited. The review points to multicomponent, participatory and culturally sensitive programs, supported by digital tools and ongoing evaluation, as promising approaches, while noting that short follow-up periods make long-term effects difficult to assess.

What the programs changed

Across the 18 randomized controlled trials, school-based interventions improved knowledge and attitudes, particularly around consent and awareness of sexual violence. These studies were conducted in primary, secondary and higher education settings and involved children, adolescents and young adults.

Evidence for changes in behavior appeared less often and was often limited. The review highlighted multicomponent and participatory programs, cultural sensitivity, digital tools and continuous evaluation as approaches that could strengthen prevention efforts.

Why sustained programs matter

Schools are important settings for teaching about consent, awareness and gender equity. The review suggests that school-based interventions have potential to help prevent sexual violence, but their contribution is likely to depend on approaches that are sustained, evidence-based, participatory and responsive to the cultures of the students they serve. Continued evaluation is needed to determine whether improvements in knowledge and attitudes lead to lasting changes in behavior.

Evidence and its limits

This systematic review included 18 randomized controlled trials published from 2012 to 2024 and identified through four major databases. The studies covered primary, secondary and higher education settings. Short follow-up periods and participant loss over time limited assessment of whether the programs produced lasting effects. Evidence for behavior change was less frequent and often limited, so the review does not establish how well these interventions prevent sexual violence over the long term.

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