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A news network in Australia has come under fire after it aired an interview with a “sexuality expert” who urged parents to ask for their baby’s consent when changing nappies.

Deanne Carson, a "sexuality educator" with Body Safe Australia appeared on the show to talk about establishing a “culture of consent” in the home.

Speaking during the segment on ABC news she said she works with children from birth on issues of consent.

When asked to give an example of how parents could establish the culture in their home she said they could ask questions such as “I'm going to change your nappy now, is that okay?"

She continued: “Of course the baby is not going to respond 'yes mum, that's awesome. I'd love to have my nappy changed.'

“But if you leave a space, and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact, then you're letting that child know that their response matters.”

Many viewers were left confused by this advice.

One woman called Kate wrote: “I’ve never been so confused in my life. Teaching children consent is 100% important but come on. You’ve got to be kidding me. A child relies their parent to take care of them and that includes personal hygiene! Especially as toddlers and babies.”

Another person said: “All the kids in my family at the age of 2, don't always understand why they shouldn't do certain things (like climbing on everything, running across a road and putting random things in their mouth) but according to Deanne Carson they should consent to a nappy change?”

Sky News commentator Rowan Dean slammed the interview during a segment on Tuesday and described Ms Carson’s opinion as “lefty lunacy.”

After showing the interview he said: “Consent for changing nappies. I'm not sure that would - I think that might get a bit - anyway, I won't go there."

But, some agreed with Ms Carson.

Marisol Pedeboy wrote: “It might sound pointless, but any effort to teach kids about consent is important. Never thought about it but I will start doing it with my little one.”

On Thursday morning Ms Carson responded to the backlash.

She wrote on Facebook: “Sadly, some people have chosen to ridicule me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the notion of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har amiright?!)

“Troll me all you want, add to your blog inches, but remember that when you do, you are negating the voices of these brave survivors of sexual abuse.”