Safety Check-Point:
You are in charge of your body. If something is happening that you do not like or is wrong, then use the Power NO.
- Say NO!
- Get away.
- Tell someone
Basic Information:
The Power NO can be used for Pressures and Dares, Guns, Drugs, and Not OK Touch/Talk.
Pressures and Dares
Pressure may come from various sources:
- peers
- family
- media (music, Internet, television, printed matter)
It may be:
- verbal
- non-verbal
- physical
Kids need to learn how to resist pressure. The Power NO is one way. Other Refusal Skills can also help them "keep face" or "get out of" situations.
Guns
The Power NO works for weapon safety, too. If you see or know about a gun or other weapon, follow these steps:
- Say NO to touching it.
- Leave it alone and get away from it.
- Tell an adult about it.
If there is a gun in your house for legitimate reasons, make sure you follow weapon safety habits.
Drugs
Even young children need to follow the Power NO for drugs. Prescription drugs are NOT OK for a child to self-administer.
Smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs should be reported. Be a Responsible Reporter (S.T.A.R.).
Not OK Touch/Talk
It is NEVER a child's fault if someone touches his or her body in a way that makes the child feel uncomfortable or is wrong! If a child is in this situation, he or she needs to use the Power NO.
- Say NO (cut it out, I don't like that, leave me alone, etc.)
- Get away--if possible, leave!
- Tell someone. Keep telling a trusted adult until someone believes you.
The curriculum goes into more detail on each of these subjects.