Now let's watch Part Two. We will see how children handle situations like Chester did.
Discussion questions and follow-up activities:
Be non-judgmental in your choice of words as you discuss the video vignettes with students; for example, say, “It’s a good idea to talk about it” rather than “It’s wrong when you don’t talk about it.” Remember, there may be sexual abuse survivors already in your classrooms. A good prevention program encourages those children to talk privately about what happened to them and does not increase their burden of guilt. Present your program in a way that doesn’t blame children if they cannot protect themselves.
- Did you notice that the adults all said, “This is our little secret,” or something about secrets? Can you tell me the difference between secrets and surprises? The difference between secrets and surprises is that you share
- What is the difference between secrets and surprises? (Surprises are shared when the time is right. Presents are surprises. Secrets are kept hidden. Secrets about touching often make children feel bad. Adults shouldn’t ask kids to keep secrets about touching. But it is fun to have good surprises.)
- Why do you think Charles got suspicious or worried when the man asked him to go to the bathroom? (Adults who don’t mean harm won’t ask a child they don’t know to go anywhere with them. They know that it is against the rules. Charles trusted his feelings that it seemed like a trick)
- What does your “funny feeling” (the uncomfortable feeling you get when you know something isn’t right) feel like? Where do you feel it? (Stomach? Maybe it hurts or starts to get upset. Face? Maybe it gets hot, or you can feel yourself blush. Eyes? Maybe you’re afraid to look at the person.
- What does “ashamed” feel like? Was Carol ashamed? What other things make us feel ashamed? (Not knowing the answer in class. Breaking a rule and getting caught. Being mean to someone)
- What else could Carol have done if she hadn’t been able to say anything? (She could have physically moved away. Kids don’t have to confront the adult. Sometimes, if the adult is a family member or you are afraid, it is better to get away if you can and tell someone.)
- How did Carol, Lydia, and Charles feel good when they said “NO”? (They felt strong and in control.)
- If Charles had been in the park when he was told he had to stay home, would he have told his dad right away? (He might not because of fear of getting into trouble.)
- If Charles broke a rule by going to the park, is what happened his fault? (No. He is responsible for breaking the rule, not the man’s behavior.)
- Why was Charles’ Dad pleased he told him about what happened in the park? (So, he could help Charles understand that it wasn’t okay for an adult to try to trick him like that; he could let the police know there was someone around trying to trick kids.)
- Who could you tell if something like this happened to you? (Your teacher, your aunt, your school counselor, or religious youth leader, or a friend of the family)
“I know there may be students in class with more questions. I am available to talk to you privately. Just say something to me about needing to talk, and I will find a way to talk to you without letting anyone know. It is important to talk to your family about what we’ve learned today, even if nothing like this has ever happened to you. Your parents may ask you about this program. Be sure to ask them about anything you didn’t understand today.”
Let’s review what we’ve learned: Your body belongs to you. You can decide who touches you. If someone touches you in a way you don’t like or asks you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable, gives you that “funny feeling” that something isn’t right, say “no.” Get away if you can. Tell someone. And remember, it’s not your fault.