Internet Safety: (9-12) This presentation focuses on keeping safe in a technologically advanced (and saturated!) world. Students will learn how to protect themselves and their personal information and why it’s important to do so. Students will learn how to respond when being cyber-harassed (or cyberbullied), and why it’s important to report the behavior to a trusted adult and the internet service provider if necessary. Technology changes constantly, and we must be sure to keep up with it! We use an interactive NetSmartz presentation. We also have a parent presentation we can use with the laptop initiatives and parent nights.
Labels, Cliques, Stereotypes & Bullying: (9-12) This program explores the connection between labeling and stereotypes to bullying, violence and hate crimes. Violence and hate crimes stem from every day, negative and unfair beliefs about people or groups of people – the kind of labels and stereotypes we tend to see in school cliques and groups. The program promotes equality and respect, and provides students with actual tools on how to achieve equality and respect (for example, how to be an engaged or active bystander as opposed to a passive bystander and the difference between asking for help and tattling). It takes an entire community to end violence, and every little positive change helps us reach that goal!
Gender Stereotypes: (9-12+) This program explores commonly held stereotypes of boys and girls, and how these stereotypes can both limit individuals and contribute to interpersonal violence. Where do these stereotypes come from and why is it important to know? We will discuss ways of encouraging respect and equality in the school and work environment.
Media Literacy: (9-12+) This program focuses on understanding how the images we experience through media influence our lives – from our self image to our relationships with others. We take a critical look at our favorite magazines, TV shows, musicians, and movie stars and talk about how those media portrayals might negatively influence our attitudes and beliefs about the world in which we live and how we treat each other. We also discuss positive media messages, because they do exist!
Flirting vs. Hurting: (9-12+) The line between flirting and sexual harassment is often obvious, but sometimes cloudy. This presentation clearly defines flirting versus sexual harassment. We will explore how societal attitudes affect our language and attitudes towards others, how to effectively establish personal boundaries, the importance of respecting other people’s boundaries, and tips for becoming an engaged or active bystander. We will also discuss how to effectively respond to sexual harassment (for example how to address the situation directly and why it’s important to tell an adult you trust).
Sexual Violence 101: (8-12+) This presentation explores common misconceptions, myths, and stereotypes about sexual violence and why they are harmful to both victims of sexual violence as well as society as a whole. We discuss the reality of sexual violence, which includes definitions and statistics, and how it differs from and overlaps with Domestic Violence. We discuss local resources and options for all people affected by sexual violence. We talk about how to help a friend who has been sexually assaulted, and how to help prevent sexual violence by being an active and engaged bystander. We end the presentation with a discussion of the meaning of the word “consent” and its importance in all sexual relationships.
