Father’s Simple Consent Lessons Go Viral After Cornell 7 Allegations

A Utah dad's viral video shows how easy it is to teach kids about consent. Parents and experts are taking note.

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Utah, United States — A father from Utah has sparked a national conversation after sharing a video of his sons, aged nine and 11, discussing the concept of consent in the wake of the alleged 2024 gang rape by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University.

In the video, Alan Gilliam asks his children what they would do if someone refused a hug. The older son responds with a straightforward answer: Take ‘no’ for an answer. When asked what they would do if they were part of a group chat where others planned to harm a woman, both boys emphasize the importance of speaking up and seeking help from authority figures.

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The clip, which has amassed over 1.6 million likes on Instagram, highlights how simple it can be to introduce young children to the idea that no means no. Gilliam’s approach avoids complexity, instead using age-appropriate scenarios to foster understanding. His sons clearly grasp that consent cannot be given when someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and that silence does not equate to agreement.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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