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There are five modules discussed in the Stay Safe Programme. The content of each module is outlined below, followed by suggestions that may help parents discuss the topic with their children. Each module is dealt with in a way that emphasises positive experiences while acknowledging that there are times when children may feel unsafe, threatened or frightened. Through classroom discussion, role-play and repetition, children learn simple safety strategies for dealing with problems. Children learn that they should always tell an adult who can help. The overall message is that children will learn to: Say 'No', Get away and tell. Feeling Safe/Unsafe Bullying Touches Secrets and Telling Strangers. In this section children learn . . . To recognise and describe when they feel safe/unsafe (safe and unsafe feelings are sometimes referred to as 'yes' and 'no' feelings) To anticipate potentially dangerous situations Ways of dealing with common situations where they may feel unsafe, such as getting lost That they should always tell an adult (parent/guardian/carer) about any situation they consider unsafe, upsetting or threatening.
Suggestions for Parents/GuardiansDiscuss with your child times when they feel safe and unsafe and ask him or her to give you examples from the lessons. Talk to your child about the rules he or she should follow if lost or if a stranger calls to the door or on the phone. Encourage your child to tell an adult about any situation in which he or she feels unsafe, upset, confused or worried. Back to Top In this section children learn . . . To value friendship Skills for making and keeping friends To understand about the different types of bullying and the effects of bullying That there are no innocent bystanders when it comes to bullying How to cope if they're bullied - that they should seek help from an adult if they have a problem with bullying That it's not acceptable to bully others.
Suggestions for Parents/GuardiansTalk to your child about the importance of friendship. Discuss bullying with your child. Talk to your child about why he or she should always respect and never bully others. Ask your child if he or she has ever been bullied and remind your child of the Stay Safe rules: say 'No' - get away and tell. Talk about times when it is safe to say 'No' to a bully, and get your child to practise saying 'No'. Stress that your child should never be ashamed or afraid to tell an adult, even if he or she has done something wrong. Back to Top In this section children learn . . . To value and enjoy normal affection To understand the meaning of personal and private What to do if someone touches them in a way that is unwanted or feels like an unsafe touch Never to touch anyone else in a way that they don't like To respect the rights of others That it's alright to say 'No' to anyone who asks them to do something that is wrong or dangerous - even if asked by an adult Never to keep secrets about touches.
From 1st class onwards, children are taught that some parts of their bodies get touched a lot - people might shake their hand, pat them on the head or put their arms around them. Children also learn that other parts of their bodies are private and are not often touched, except when the child is being washed or examined by a doctor or nurse. If the doctor examines them, does she ask them to keep it a secret? Of course not! It's explained to the children that private parts are those parts of their bodies that are covered by their underwear or swimsuit. Children are taught that it's okay to say 'No' to an adult if the adult asks them to do something that is wrong or unsafe. They're encouraged to tell an adult if anyone asks them to keep a touch a secret. Suggestions for Parents/GuardiansTalk with your child about the types of touches he or she likes and dislikes. Tell your child it's okay to say 'No' if an adult asks him or her to do something the child feels is dangerous or unsafe. Remind your child that it's okay to say 'No' if an adult touches him or her in a way that the child doesn't like - for example, some children don't like being tickled, hugged or kissed by some adults. Discuss with your child safe and unsafe touches and the rules he or she has learned in class: say 'No' - get away and tell. Tell your child never to keep any touch a secret and that he or she should always tell an adult. Back to Top In this section children learn . . . To distinguish between good and bad secrets That they should never keep a bad secret To identify who they should tell if they have a problem The difficulties in telling when bribery or threats are involved How to tell - and to keep telling until they get help.
Suggestions for Parents/GuardiansTalk to your child about secrets. Explain the difference between a good and a bad secret. Good secrets are like surprises. Bad secrets make children feel afraid, upset or unsafe, and may involve a threat or a bribe. Talk to your child about what they should do if somebody asks them to keep a bad secret. Emphasise that nobody has the right to make anyone keep a touch a secret, and that they should always tell an adult about a bad secret. Make sure that your child knows to come to you if he or she has a problem or is upset about something. Setting aside time to listen to your child is very important. Your child is more likely to come to you when they're worried or concerned about something if they know they'll be listened to. Listening and responding to children shows them you're interested in what they have to say and in their opinions. Discuss the importance of telling, and ensure your child knows that he or she should never be ashamed or afraid to tell if he or she has a problem. Help your child draw up a list of adults who could be approached for help. These should be people both you and your child trust and your child can easily contact. Explain that adults can be busy and sometimes may not properly 'hear' what's being said. Discuss what your child should do if the adult doesn't listen or understand. Back to Top In this section children learn . . . That a stranger is anyone they don't know That most strangers are nice people Never to go anywhere with a stranger or take anything from a stranger.
Suggestions for Parents/GuardiansDiscuss with your child the meaning of the word 'stranger'. It's important to stress that most strangers are nice people and that we sometimes rely on strangers in times of trouble but that, at the same time, there are rules children should always use with strangers. Ask your child what he or she would do in different situations with strangers, such as if a stranger asks your child for directions or offers your child a lift. Stress that it's not rude to refuse to talk to strangers if your child feels unsafe. Discuss with your child the general rules: say 'No' - get away and tell. Back to Top
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