BESAFELEARN TO

with Emmy & friends

Protective Behaviours ProgramAn initiative of Act for Kids

THE PROGRAM TEACHES CHILDREN HOW TO: • identify and articulate their feelings

• understand the difference between safe and unsafe secrets

• identify early warning signs to alert them of when they are in danger

• identify public and private body parts

• develop awareness of personal body space

• identify trusted adults and what they can do when they feel unsafe.

TELL, TELL AND TELL AGAIN

What is LEARN TO BE SAFE WITH EMMY AND FRIENDS?

Learn to be safe with Emmy and friends is an evidence-based protective behaviours program developed by Act for Kids. The program is generally taught in schools to grade one children through weekly workshops over five to six weeks, to ensure kids understand and retain what they learn.

The program is activity based, fun and interactive, helping to empower and protect children by enhancing their knowledge and skills. The program is delivered by trained professionals and volunteers with the assistance and partnership of associated schools, teachers and community members.

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wobbly knees

feet frozen

heart racing

crying

headache

butterflies

need to go to the toilet

sweaty palms

want to run away

lump in throat

children who10,000

400number of classrooms al

most

“This program exceeded my expectation and I think it is vitally

important to keep it going every year.”

“It was an extremely

worthwhile program that I feel should be a requirement in all grade 1

classes.”

“The class thoroughly enjoyed

the lesson. They were actively

engaged and loved the hands

on activities.”

currently running in Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast, West Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.

95%teachers reported the language, sessions, activities and topics were relevant and age appropriate

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THE PROGRAM TEACHES CHILDREN HOW TO: • identify and articulate their feelings

• understand the difference between safe and unsafe secrets

• identify early warning signs to alert them of when they are in danger

• identify public and private body parts

• develop awareness of personal body space

• identify trusted adults and what they can do when they feel unsafe.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM?• Facilitation of an evidence-based program developed by Act for Kids.• Interactive delivery style to help kids learn and retain key safety messages.• Colourful resources for students.• Classroom resources for teachers.• Caregiver factsheets and activities.• Culturally appropriate delivery methods for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS PROGRAM?Children: Learn lifelong protective skills.

Educators: Receive language to address challenging topics with information and activities in line with school curriculum.

Care givers: Receive age appropriate language and resources to discuss personal safety with their children.

Schools and communities: Participate in important discussions through resources and activities that support common language about personal safety.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Developed in 2007, the key program objective is to equip children with lifelong practical skills to proactively protect themselves.

We believe all children should have access to age-appropriate universal protective behaviours education and are actively seeking opportunities to reach even more children across Australia.

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY?

Research suggests that kids who participated in protective behaviours programs are significantly less likely to be victims of abuse. Act for Kids has partnered with Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and James Cook University to further evaluate the program.

To demonstrate Act for Kids’ commitment to providing culturally sound programs, Learn

to be safe with Emmy and friends imbeds cultural considerations at all stages of the program including

recruitment, training, program and resource development and facilitation. These strategies were developed in

consultation with Indigenous cultural advisors and peers and are encapsulated in the program’s manual.

While it is acknowledged that this program is not a specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program, every care has been, and will continue to be taken, to ensure that Learn to be

safe with Emmy and friends is culturally appropriate and inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Islander children and their families.

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Counsellor

Principal

Police

Teacher

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

Protective Behaviours ProgramAn initiative of Act for KidsBESAFE

LEARN TO

with Emmy & Friends

HOW DOES MY SCHOOL GET INVOLVED?If you are interested in running the Learn to be safe with Emmy and friends program, please contact your local Act for Kids centre or email learntobesafe@actforkids.com.au to find out if this program is available in your area.

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPAct for Kids provides free programs and services designed to support children and their families. Act for Kids receives support and sponsorship from a variety of local businesses and corporate stakeholders in the delivery of many programs and services.

This sponsorship allows Act for Kids to support the communities it works in, to ensure the organisation is well resourced and able to deliver quality programs and services.

If you would like to partner with us in the delivery of our Learn to be safe with Emmy and friends program, we would love to hear from you. Please contact our Fundraising Manager at fundraise@actforkids.com.au or call 1300 228 000.