Preventing Gender-Based Violence Starts Early
Many people think gender-based violence, or GBV, starts when children become teens or adults. But children start learning about healthy relationships much earlier. Parents and caregivers can help children learn respect, kindness and empathy every day.
GBV is harm that happens because of someone’s gender. It can include controlling behaviour, threats, emotional harm, physical harm or sexual harm. It is a serious public health issue in Canada. Prevention can start at home, through the way adults talk, listen and show respect.
Five Things Parents Can Do
- Challenge gender stereotypes
Children should feel free to like different toys, clothes, activities and emotions. Try not to limit children based on gender. When children feel accepted, they are more likely to respect others too.
- Help children name their feelings
Children need words for their feelings. Help them name feelings such as anger, sadness, joy, worry and fear. When children can name their feelings, they can talk about what they need and ask for help (CMHA 2021).
- Show respectful relationships
Children learn by watching adults. They notice how adults talk, listen and solve problems. You can help by using calm words, listening to others, and saying sorry when needed (Hunter n.d.).
- Talk about consent early
Consent means giving permission. It also means respecting when someone says no. Children can learn consent when adults respect their body space, choices and feelings (ANOVA 2026).
- Talk about media messages
Children see many messages online, on TV and in games. Talk with them about what they see. You can ask: Is this kind? Is this fair? Does this show respect? These talks help children think about what is healthy and what is not (Canadian Pediatric Society 2026).
Preventing gender-based violence starts when children are young. Small actions can make a big difference. When adults teach respect, kindness, equality and healthy communication, children can grow up with stronger and safer relationships.
ANOVA is a community agency that provides shelter, counselling, crisis response, education and resources for individuals impacted by gender-based violence. Reach the ANOVA 24-Hour Crisis and Support Line: 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576. More information: https://www.anovafuture.org/support/local-resources/
References
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (2021, May 3). What is emotional literacy? Understand your emotions, understand yourself. https://cmha.ca/news/understand-your-emotions-understand-yourself/
Hunter, G. (n.d.). Parental behavior & modeling healthy relationships. Child & Family Development. https://www.childandfamilydevelopment.com/blog/parental-behavior-modeling-healthy-relationships/
Anova. (2026). Resources. Anova. https://www.anovafuture.org/education-advocacy/resources/
Canadian Pediatric Society. (2026). Resource library. Healthy Screen Use. https://healthyscreenuse.cps.ca/families-and-communities/resource-library
Heather Bywaters RN PHN
Middlesex-London Health Unit
For the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership
