Permission Form - Child & Teen Safety Matters

Posted Date: 04/20/26 (11:00 AM)

Child & Teen Safety Matters Programs

The Education Team from Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center will be presenting their Child/Teen Safety Matters program to our campus on May 5th for grades PK - 12th.

This is an opt-in program meaning your student must return a signed permission form in order to participate - the digital permission form is attached to this post. Permission forms are due by Friday, May 1st

The program's curriculum reflects the 3 R's of Personal Safety: Recognize, Resist, and Report. The Happy Bear presentation is a skit involving a visit from a “Happy Bear” character that teaches the basic skills of safety (see more details below). For Grades 2 through 12, the lessons are from the Monique Burr Foundation – Child/Teen Safety Matters curriculum and are designed to educate and empower children and teens with information and strategies to stay safe, plus recognize the importance of reporting to a safe adult. Please refer to the chart below to discover the age-appropriate strategies emphasized in each grade level.

Pre-K - 2nd Grade (Happy Bear)

Teaches welcome & unwelcome touches, using the bathing suit area as a reference
What steps to take if they feel unsafe
Who safe adults are & the importance of telling them if they are in an unsafe situation

3rd - 5th Grade (Child Safety Matters)

5 Safety Rules
Safe Adults
4 Types of Child Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect)
Who Harms Kids and How
Safe vs. Unsafe Strangers
Bullying & Cyberbullying
Digital Safety & Citizenship

6th - 8th Grade (Teen Safety Matters)

5 Safety Rules
Safe Adults
4 Types of Child Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect)
Being an Upstander against Bullying & Cyberbullying
Digital Abuse & Safety
Exploitation & Trafficking
Relationship Abuse

9th - 12th Grade (Teen Safety Matters)

5 Safety Rules
Safe Adults
4 Types of Child Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect)
Bullying & Cyberbullying
Digital Abuse & Safety
Digital Self-Awareness
Exploitation & Trafficking
Relationship Abuse

The curriculum is based on the 5 Safety Rules described below.

Know What's Up

Talk to your child. Listen to them. Ask them questions about times when they are away from you. Know whom they are with and what they are doing. Help them understand unsafe situations and how to use the Safety Rules to keep them safe. Make sure they know your personal contact information and how to reach you. Have a private family password and make sure they know to never go with anyone who doesn’t know it. Learn about the technology and devices they are using or have access to, and talk to them about potential online dangers.

Spot Reg Flags

Teach your child safety concepts such as personal space and boundaries, respecting themselves and others, safe vs. unsafe situations, secrets and tricks, and digital safety. Teach them the correct names for their private body parts, and how to report if anyone looks at, touches, or photographs their private parts. Educate them about Red Flags, both online and off, and how to seek help. If you are talking to your child and educating them about possible dangers and how to spot the Red Flag behaviors that lead to those dangers, it minimizes their risk of being victimized.

Make a Move

If you suspect a child is being harmed, trust yourself and Make a Move to keep them safe. If a child tells you about abuse or bullying that has happened to him/her or another child, praise them for telling you and take action right away. Report bullying to the school or organization where it occurred. Report abuse to your state child welfare agency, and unsafe online behaviors to law enforcement. To report suspected Child Abuse call 1-800-252-5400.

Talk it Up

Talk about child safety because Child Safety Matters. Talk to other adults about what you have learned, so they too become better educated and empowered. Talk to your child using everyday opportunities to discuss safety and safe vs. unsafe situations. Ask your child to spot Red Flags and use the Safety Rules to protect themselves using role-play opportunities. Let your child know they can talk to you about anything, so if the need arises, they will feel comfortable talking to you about difficult topics.

No Blame / No Shame

Let your child know that no matter what happens to them, they are never to blame because adults are responsible for keeping kids safe ALWAYS. Let them know that no matter what they are told, they should never be ashamed to tell you or another Safe Adult about Red Flags, abuse, or anything else they need to tell you to help keep them safe. Let them know you support them. If your child is a victim, remember you are not to blame and you should not be ashamed to seek help. Support is available.

Again, this is an opt-in program meaning your student must return a signed permission form in order to participate - the digital permission form is attached to this post. Permission forms are due by Friday, May 1st

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

254-965-6496
awalker@twisd.us
247 CR 207 Stephenville, Tx 76401

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