Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The purpose of this activity is to have youth identify two or more trusted adults in their lives they can talk to about a problem or worry.

Materials Required: none

Task Time:  30 minutes

Activity Description:

1.       Introduce the activity to the class and ask them to identify some key qualities of “trusted adults” (e.g., supportive, accepting, easy to talk to, open-minded, etc.). Write down some of these qualities on the board

2.       Tell the students that when they are experiencing a problem or worry or are in distress, it is important that they can get help from a trusted adult. Ask for some general examples of adults who can help

e.g., family members, teachers, adults in the community (e.g., counsellors, police, child protection workers, etc.)

3.       Have each student identify two trusted adults they would go to for help

4.       For students who may have difficulty thinking of two, tell them that you will give them more time and come back to them. If they still have difficulty, make sure to check in with them one-on-one to talk about this after the activity (see Comments Section)

5.       Ask the students why they had to identify at least two trusted adults to go to

Make sure to point out that sometimes the first adult they choose may not be available or may not be able to provide the help they need, it is important to have a back up plan and another trusted adult to go to

6.       Conclude by emphasizing that youth need to keep telling trusted adults until they get the help they need. This applies to both circumstances when youth themselves need help or when they are seeking help for a friend

Activity Extensions:

Instead of a whole class discussion, have students write a journal entry on trusted adults they can go to for help and why they have chosen these adults. If they are having difficulty identifying adults, have them write down the reasons why and barriers to getting help. The facilitator can then follow up with individual students about this.

Additional Comments:

When checking in with students one on one who are having difficulty with identifying trusted adults:

• Suggest that they think beyond immediate family and friends to relatives, community members, teachers, other school staff, etc.
• Suggest helpful resources such as Kids Help Phone

Additional Resources:

Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/