Youth Protection Program

Step 1 of 2: Submit

This is a read and understand module system. All Advisory Board Members must complete the modules and submit by March 10th. Thank you in advance!

Module III -

What do you think situational safety might include?

The Rainbow Youth Protection Program was adopted by the SEB in 2014. This is the third of eight training modules for youth and adults.

Objectives

Relationships: Heighten awareness of how an individual may exercise influence or control of another.
Situations: Increase recognition of situations which may become unsafe or harmful.

Relationships

Who influences you?
  • Strangers - while it's good to be cautions around those we don't know, over 90% of abusers are known to their victims.
  • Acquaintances - people you've just met or those you recognize but don't know well.
  • Authorities - teachers, coaches, leaders (those in charge), clergy, emergency personnel.
  • Friends - classmates, neighbors, BFFs.
  • Family - parents, siblings, cousins, etc. Some consider close friends to be "family".

Who do you influence?

Signs of Potential Abuse

Red Flags of Potential Abusers could include:
  • Possessiveness
  • Controlling behavior
  • Pressure to do things you don't want to
  • Name calling or insulting
  • Constant criticism
  • Any physical action with the intent or result of harm, such as slapping, hitting, pinching, hair pulling, or shoving.

Dating Safety

  • Know the person before going out alone.
  • Have a plan of how the time will be spent. Let others know your plans.
  • Always carry your phone.
  • Go with groups.
  • Do not allow yourself to become drunk or high, which will limit your ability to keep safe.
  • Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, ask to go home or call for help.
  • DO NOT confront a date when alone.

Bullying Behavior

  • Intentionally abusive
  • Threatening, humiliating, intimidating
  • Demanding or demeaning
  • Increasing levels of aggression
  • Escalating in intensity
  • Blaming others for problems
  • Not accepting responsibility for actions
  • Threatening physical harm or loss of belongings or privilege

Bullying is a pattern of intentional abusive conduct. It is driven by the bully's need to control, and is deliberately initiated by those who seek to identify and exploit the weakness of an individual for their own purposes. It may involve acts of commission or omission. The behavior tends to expand to involve others who side with the bully, either voluntarily or through coercion.

To learn more, visit www.stopbullying.gov

Drugs and Alcohol

What kind of substances can be abused?
  • Prescription drug misuse and overuse
  • Illegal or street drug use
  • Alcohol misuse
  • OTC medication misuse

What consequences can you think of?
  • Impaired judgement and thinking
  • Addiction
  • Poisoning
  • Health risks
  • Affected brain development

Did you know...
- Alcohol use among US teens is higher than tobacco and other substance use?

- Teen brains are still "under construction" and respond differently than adult brains to alcohol. Physiological differences between teen and adult brains may explain the elevated risk of binge drinking in youth.

- Because teens tend to binge drink, they consume larger quantities than adults. Alcohol use is responsible for more than 4300 deaths of persons under 21 yearly.

- ER visits per day for drug misuse or abuse by youth include: 74 for prescription or OTC pain relievers; 32 for antidepressants or antipsychotics; 31 for benzodiazepines; 26 for narcotic pain relievers; 11 for ADHD meds.

Safe Driving

  • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for US teens.
  • Seven teens die every day from MV injuries.
  • Teen drivers have 3x the fatal crashes of older persons.
  • Alcohol is a factor in many teen crashes.
  • 1 in 10 high school teens drinks and drives.

Cyber Safety

How do you protect yourself and your identity online?
How could you protect yourself from cyber harassment?
  • ThinkB4uClick
  • Use privacy settings and security tools
  • Use good digital hygiene
  • Be cautions where you go and what you open
  • Choose passwords that are easy for you and hard for others. DO NOT SHARE!
  • Remember: Pictures last a lifetime! What you document today will be there when you go to college, apply for jobs, get married or have children.

Assessing Risk

We've talked about several different kinds of situations and relationships that could affect your safety and wellbeing.
What steps do you think you could take to increase your safety?
  • What are the pros and cons of this activity?
  • What affects your ability to stay safe?
  • What could happen? How? Why?
  • How likely are the risks?
  • How severe are the consequences?
  • Is it really worth it?
  • What modifications can you make to increase safety?

Suicide Awareness

Sometimes people use self-violence when they feel hopeless about their lives. It's important for us to support and encourage each other to know things will get better. If you know of someone who is exhibiting some of these behaviors, please speak with a trusted adult about the situation.

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people who commit suicide don't want to die - they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

1-800-273-TALK (8255) Prevention Lifeline

Warning Signs include:
  • Talking about suicide; obsession with death
  • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Saying goodbye or getting affairs in order
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • Sudden sense of calm

For more information, please visit: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention.htm

Resources

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911
  • www.loveisrespect.org or (866) 331-9474
  • www.stopbullyingnow.com
  • www.wiredsafety.org
  • www.stopbullying.gov
  • www.helpguide.org
  • http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Teen+Drivers/Teen+Drivers+-+Additional+Resources
  • Suicide Helpline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
Questions
Karen Askew, IORG Supreme Assembly
315 East Carl Albert Parkway
(918) 423-1328
www.gorainbow.org
karenaskew@gorainbow.org
saoffice@gorainbow.org