# Irish consent advert withdrawn after criticism over its portrayal of grandparents

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/demeaning-and-absurd-the-backlash-against-a-hugging-grandparents-consent-ad/
- Published: 2026-10-22T17:47:09+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T17:53:28+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c83vqn6zwrx0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Consent advert removed after criticism and official intervention.
- The video was part of a three-ad campaign.
- Supporters said it highlighted children’s differing boundaries.

## Summary

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has removed a social media advert after criticism of its portrayal of grandparents, following intervention by officials at the Justice Department. The dispute has renewed debate in Ireland about how to teach children consent and boundaries, and the role families play in that education.

The video showed grandparents hugging their grandson and approaching a granddaughter who appeared uncomfortable, before stating that not everyone wants a hug. It was one of three low-cost videos in the We-Consent campaign, made with volunteers. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan called the advert demeaning and counterproductive, while its defenders said it highlighted that children have different boundaries; the centre said it would reflect on whether the videos had the intended effect.

## Coverage

- [BBC World: Irish consent advert withdrawn after criticism over its portrayal of grandparents](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c83vqn6zwrx0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [Daily Mail: Grandparents should ask for consent to hug their grandchildren, Irish advert says](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16230301/Grandparents-ask-consent-hug-grandchildren-Irish-advert.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.