Tinder Launches New Consent Course in Australia

Tinder has launched a new Consent Course in Australia to improve young daters’ understanding of consent. Developed in collaboration with Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, and NGO partner WESNET, the course is part of Tinder’s ongoing efforts to promote respectful dating practices. Available on Tinder’s School of Swipe microsite, the course consists of four modules covering key topics like the basics of consent, dealing with breaches, and practical resources.

his initiative follows a YouGov study commissioned by Tinder that highlights gaps in consent education among Australian Gen Z and Millennial dating app users. The study revealed that while 55% of young Australians feel they understand consent well, 45% admit to knowing little to nothing about it, both in terms of the actual concept and how to respect the consent of others.

Worryingly, 25% mistakenly believe that stealthing – a non-consensual act where somebody removes a condom or lies about wearing one – is legal or are unsure of its legality, when it is officially considered a form of rape. The findings underscore the need for better education, with 86% of respondents agreeing that consent education should start before finishing high school.

Tinder’s collaboration with Chanel Contos and popular podcast The Relatables aims to address these educational gaps with relatable and accessible content. Contos emphasized the need for clear, practical guidance on navigating the complexities of consent, including asking for, giving, and revoking consent, as well as understanding boundaries.

The Consent Course is part of Tinder’s broader efforts to ensure dating safety, building on previous features like ID Verification and real-time warnings for harmful behavior. By focusing on user production and education, the platform may be able to create healthier dating practices among its Australian user base.