Speak Up, Stay Safe! Script

Introduction (Slide 1: Speak Up, Stay Safe!)

(Teacher): "Hi everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important – how we can all help make our school a safe and happy place. We're going to learn how to 'Speak Up and Stay Safe!'"

(Teacher): "Let's start by thinking about what makes you feel safe and happy in our classroom or anywhere at school. What does a safe classroom feel like? What do grown-ups do that helps you feel respected and comfortable? Think about it, and then you can share with a friend or the whole class."



(Allow 2-3 minutes for discussion)

When an Adult Acts Not Okay (Slide 2: When an Adult Acts Not Okay)

(Teacher): "Thanks for sharing your ideas! Feeling safe and happy is super important for learning. But sometimes, a grown-up might do or say something that just doesn't feel right. That brings us to our topic: 'When an Adult Acts Not Okay.'"

(Teacher): "When we talk about a grown-up acting 'not okay' at school, we mean anything that makes you, or another student, feel confused, worried, or uncomfortable inside. It's really important to know that this is NOT about regular school rules, or when a teacher gives you a consequence for something you did wrong. That's part of learning and growing."

(Teacher): "Instead, we are talking about words or actions from an adult – like a teacher, a substitute, a coach, or any grown-up who works at school – that just feel wrong or make you feel unsafe. Your feelings in these moments are very important, and it's good to trust your gut feeling. If something feels wrong inside, it probably is."

Ways Grown-Ups Might Act Not Okay (Slide 3: Ways Grown-Ups Might Act Not Okay)

(Teacher): "Let's look at some different ways a grown-up might act that are not okay. These are just examples, and there could be other things that make you feel confused, worried, or uncomfortable."

(Teacher): "First, let's talk about Words. This could be a grown-up saying mean jokes or unkind things about how you look, your family, or what you're good at. It also includes grown-ups telling you about their big grown-up problems, which can make you feel confused. Or, a grown-up asking you to keep a secret that makes you feel bad or uncomfortable. If a grown-up's words make you feel strange, sad, or picked on, that's a sign that something is not okay."

(Teacher): "Next, Actions. This means a grown-up touching you in a way you don't like or that makes you feel uncomfortable. It could also be them standing too close to you when you want space, or being unfair and always picking on certain kids. Remember, your body belongs to you, and you have a right to your personal space."

(Teacher): "And lastly, Making You Feel Scared. This is when a grown-up says things that make you feel afraid or worried, or uses their grown-up power to try and scare you. Even if they say, 'I was just joking,' if their words made you feel scared, it's not okay."

(Teacher): "Does anyone have questions about these examples or want to talk about other things that might fall into these groups?"

(Allow brief time for clarifying questions)

What To Do If Something Feels Not Okay (Slide 4: What To Do If Something Feels Not Okay)

(Teacher): "Now that we know what 'not okay' behavior looks like, the most important part is knowing what to do if you experience it or see it happen to someone else. This isn't about 'tattling' in a mean way, but about being brave and helping to keep yourself and everyone at school safe."

(Teacher): "Here are the important steps:

1. Tell a Trusted Adult Right Away! This is the first and most important thing. Who are some grown-ups here at school that you could talk to?" (Guide students to list other teachers, counselors, the principal, the librarian, a coach, etc.) "And who are trusted grown-ups at home or outside of school?" (Mom, Dad, grandma, grandpa, older brother/sister, a family friend). "The sooner you tell someone, the sooner they can help."

2. Tell Them What Happened. When you tell a grown-up, try to remember as many details as you can. What exactly happened? Who was there? When and where did it happen? You don't need to write a long story, but being clear helps grown-ups understand and fix the problem."

3. Keep Telling. This is super important! If the first grown-up you tell doesn't seem to understand, or if things don't get better, tell another grown-up you trust. Keep speaking up until someone listens and helps you. Your safety and happiness are the most important things, and it is never your fault if a grown-up acts in a way that's not okay."

(Teacher): "Remember, telling a grown-up is a sign of being strong and taking care of yourself. It takes courage, and we are all here to support you."

Identifying & Reporting Activity (Worksheet)

(Teacher): "Now, we're going to practice thinking about these situations and what we would do. I'm going to hand out an activity sheet called Identifying & Reporting Activity. On this sheet, you'll read a few short stories. Your job is to read each one and answer the questions: Is this behavior not okay? Why or why not? And who would you tell about it? You can work by yourself or with a small group, and I'll walk around to help. We'll talk about one or two stories together if we have time."

(Distribute worksheet and allow students to work for ~10 minutes. Circulate and assist.)

Conclusion (Slide 5: You Have a Voice!)

(Teacher): "Please look up here for a moment. Thank you for doing such a great job with this important activity. We might not have time to go over every story, but the main thing is to know what to do if something feels not okay."

(Teacher): "To finish up, I want to remind you that you have a voice! You have the right to feel safe and happy at school. Speaking up is brave and protects you and others, and all of us grown-ups – your teachers, counselors, and the principal – are here to help you."

(Teacher): "For our cool-down, on the back of your activity sheet or on a small piece of paper, please quickly write down the name of one or two trusted grown-ups at school or at home whom you would tell if something felt not okay. This is just for you to think about, to remember who your helpers are." (Collect papers if desired, or allow students to keep them.)

(Teacher): "Thank you again for your thoughtful participation today. Remember these steps, and know that keeping you safe and happy is our most important job!"

Identifying & Reporting Activity

Instructions: Read each short story carefully. For each one, answer the questions below. If you think the behavior is not okay, explain why and say who you would tell.

Story 1: The "Silly" Comment

During art class, a substitute teacher sees a student with bright blue shoes. The teacher says, "Wow, those are some silly shoes! Did you get them from a clown?" The student looks down at their shoes, feeling a little sad and embarrassed.

1. Is this behavior okay? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who would you tell if this happened to you, or if you saw it?
   
   
   
   

Story 2: The Teacher's Worries

A student is staying after school to get extra help with reading. The teacher starts talking about their own grown-up worries at home and asks the student, "What do you think I should do?" The student feels confused and a little uncomfortable.

1. Is this behavior okay? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who would you tell if this happened to you?
   
   
   
   

Story 3: The Unwanted Touch

In the school hallway, a coach often pats students on the head as they walk by. One student doesn't like this and tries to move away, but the coach keeps doing it. One day, the coach puts an arm around the student's shoulder and squeezes a bit hard, making the student quickly step away.

1. Is this behavior okay? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who would you tell if this happened to you, or if you saw it?
   
   
   
   

Story 4: The Scary Warning

During music class, two students are whispering quietly. The music teacher, looking very angry, walks over and says, "If you two don't stop talking, I'll make sure you never sing in the school play again! And I mean it!" The students get very quiet and look scared.

1. Is this behavior okay? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who would you tell if this happened to you, or if you saw it?
   
   
   
   

Story 5: The Secret Food

A cafeteria worker often gives one student extra cookies and tells them, "This is our special secret, okay? Don't tell anyone, or I might not be able to do it anymore." The student likes the cookies but feels uneasy about keeping it a secret from others.

1. Is this behavior okay? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who would you tell if this happened to you, or if you saw it?
   
   
   
   

My Trusted Team Cool Down

Instructions: On this paper, or a small piece of paper, please write down the name of one or two grown-ups you trust at school or at home whom you would tell if something felt not okay. You don't have to show anyone if you don't want to. This is just to help you remember who your helpers are.

My Trusted Grown-Ups:

Great job, and thanks for helping keep our school safe!