WHAT IS Protective behaviourS?
What is Protective Behaviours?
The Protective Behaviours program is taught in many schools and organisations across the world. It was first developed in the 1970s by Peg Flandreau West, a school pastoral care worker in Wisconsin, USA. In her work with children, Peg found children coming to her for help and telling her they were not feeling safe. Peg recognised the ‘stranger danger’ concept was not enough to protect children from harm which was often being caused by people known and trusted by them.
With the help of a colleague Joan Levy and friend Donna Fortin Peg developed and refined the Protective Behaviours program . Peg, Joan and Donna started to devise a program to empower children to recognise when they did not feel safe and to explore what they could do. Over a few years the program was refined and developed into the themes, concepts and strategies now commonly known as Protective Behaviours.
The Protective Behaviours education program commenced in Australia in the 1980s when Peg introduced the ‘Basic Essentials’ manual which was initially delivered by Victoria Police. In 1990, with the support of WA Police, Protective Behaviours came to Western Australia. The program has since expanded across Australia and other parts of the world, supported by government and non-government agencies and organisations in health, education, disability, and child protection sectors.
The Protective Behaviours program aims to prevent abuse, reduce violence and promote safety and wellbeing. The education focuses on developing life skills of empowerment, self awareness, emotional intelligence, problem solving, persistence, assertiveness and help seeking.
Over the years, the original Protective Behaviours program has evolved and expanded to include the additional topics. eSafeKids has developed additional programs that complement the Protective Behaviours program. These additions empower children and young people to respond to contemporary issues they are facing. These programs include Cyber Safety and Reducing The Harm: Talking About Children and Pornography. Programs are delivered in a non-confronting way, using easy to understand language and in accordance with the child's age and developmental stage.
Peg was tragically killed in a car accident on 6 May 1991. eSafeKids honours Peg’s legacy as we continue to deliver Protective Behaviours training and workshops.
In Western Australia all students are taught protective behaviours prevention education.
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WA Government Schools Department of Education
Under the Department of Education’s Child Protection policy, principals are required to implement protective behaviours education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum across all phases of schooling.
WA Non-Government Schools Registration Standard 10
Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse
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To learn more about the eSafeKids Protective Behaviours workshops and training visit our services page.
Educate, equip and empower children with knowledge through stories!
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Reading with children provides an opportunity to teach vital life skills in a child friendly, fun, age and stage appropriate way. Reading books that are meaningful can have a lasting impact. Selecting books with teachable moments and content can assist you to discuss a wide range of topics, particularly those that are sometimes tricky and sensitive.
