Lesson video

Hi, I'm Ms. Lowe, and I'm your RSHE teacher for today.

Thank you so much for choosing to complete your learning with me.

Today's lesson is all about supporting others through difficult times.

And because of the themes and the topics that we're gonna cover today in this lesson, it's important that you complete your learning with the company of an adult.

By the end of today's lesson, you're gonna be able to explain how to support others involved in difficult times, and when and how to seek help.

Every RSHE lesson should begin with a set of ground rules.

This ensures that every conversation had in RSHE is respectful and we're all able to learn effectively.

So Laura is reminding us that in RSHE, we should listen to others.

It's okay to disagree with each other, but we should listen properly before making assumptions or deciding how to respond.

And when disagreeing, we challenge the statement and not the person.

Andeep is reminding us to respect privacy.

We can discuss examples, but we don't use names or descriptions that can identify anyone, including ourselves.

Izzy is reminding us to choose a level of participation that suits us.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or to join in a discussion, but we never put anyone on the spot.

And finally, Jacob is reminding us that in RSHE, there is no judgement.

We can explore beliefs and misunderstandings about a topic without the fear of being judged.

Let's have a look at our keyword for today's lesson.

And our keyword for today is harmful sexual behaviour, or HSB.

And this is unwanted sexual actions that hurt, pressure, or make others feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

We're gonna begin today's lesson by asking the question, why is harmful sexual behaviour so serious? So harmful sexual behaviour, or HSB, refers to unwanted sexual behaviours that are inappropriate, non-consensual, or abusive.

HSB can happen in person or online.

And these behaviours may include things like making sexual jokes or comments, pressuring someone into touching or sexual activity, sharing nudes or semi-nudes without permission.

And repeated unwanted flirting or messages.

Police officer Kofi here is telling us that even if someone didn't mean to cause harm, their actions still matter.

And any form of HSB, any form of harmful sexual behaviour is never acceptable no matter what form it takes.

Let's pause here and let's check our understanding about what we've just learned.

So true or false, harmful sexual behaviour can only happen in person as it only includes inappropriate touching? I want you to pause the video and have a think about your answer.

Really well done if you said false.

And it's false because harmful sexual behaviour can also happen online and it can take a variety of forms, including sharing nudes without permission and repeated unwanted messages.

So HSB can cause harm to the victim, and this is true whether or not these behaviours are done online or in person.

And they can include emotional harm, causing serious mental health conditions like anxiety.

It can cause fear, shame, or even low confidence.

It can also cause social harm, 'cause it might damage existing relationships and break a person's sense of trust.

Dr.

Elsie here is telling us that if you've ever experienced harmful sexual behaviour, you can always talk to a trusted adult, such as a medical professional.

There are other trusted adults that we can go to, such as parents, carers, or guardians at home.

There are designated safeguarding leads at school that we can go to, or medical professionals.

There are so many different trusted adults that we have in our lives who are there to protect us from any harmful behaviours that we might encounter.

The law on harmful sexual behaviour is really clear.

It says the age of consent in the UK is 16.

It is illegal to share, possess, share or possess nude images of under 18s, even if the person who shares or possesses them is under 18 themselves.

Sexual touching without consent is considered assault, and upskirting is a criminal offence.

Anyone found breaking these rules can face serious consequences that may include prison sentences.

Here we have social worker, Natalie.

And she says, if you're unsure if a type of behaviour is okay or if it might be classed as harmful sexual behaviour, you can always ask a trusted adult.

Let's pause here and let's check our understanding again.

So which of these statements are true? Sexual touching without consent is assault.

The age of consent is 18.

And upskirting is a criminal offence.

I want you to pause the video and tell me which of those statements are true.

Well done if you said A, that sexual touching without consent is assault and the upskirting is a criminal offence.

B is false, because we know that the age of consent in the UK is 16.

Now, we're gonna put our learning into practise.

So what I want for you to do is we're gonna read through this scenario together, and then you're gonna answer the questions below.

So the scenario says Avery, age 13, has started at a new school.

A classmate took a photo of Avery bending down in PE without them knowing, and shared it in a group chat with a comment about Avery's body.

Avery only found out when someone showed them the photo in the corridor.

Now, Avery feels embarrassed and doesn't want to go to school.

So based on that scenario, I'd like you for you to answer the following two questions.

What kind of harms might Avery experience because of this harmful sexual behaviour? And what consequences might there be for the person who took and shared the photo? So you're gonna pause the video here, and write down your answers for those questions.

Let's have a look at what you might have said.

So your first question was, what kind of harm might Avery experience because of this harmful sexual behaviour? You might have said, Avery might feel really embarrassed and upset.

They could lose confidence and not want to take part in PE or go to school.

It might make them feel like they can't trust anyone.

Your second question, which was, what consequences might there be for the person who took and shared the photo? You might have said that they could get into serious trouble at school, and might even be reported to the police because taking and sharing that kind of photo is illegal.

People might stop trusting them or wanting to be friends with them.

Well done if you mentioned any of those things in your answers.

We're gonna move on now to the second part of our lesson where we're asking the question, how can I support someone and respond safely? Sometimes people might need support, especially if they're experiencing a difficult time.

For example, someone might need support if they're experiencing bullying, harassment, or harmful sexual behaviour.

If they're feeling isolated or left out, they receive mean messages or unwanted attention online.

Or they're struggling with stress, mental health, or friendship issues.

There are some noticeable signs that a person might need support and might benefit from support.

Social worker Natalie says, "Hey, you might notice someone becoming quieter, more withdrawn.

You might notice them acting differently or avoiding others." Now, what I'd like for you to do is to check your understanding.

I would like for you to complete the list of noticeable signs that a person might benefit from support.

We've already got acting differently, but what are the two other signs that are missing from this list? So you want to pause the video now.

Really well done if you said becoming quieter or avoiding others.

There are different ways to support someone in a safe way, and one of those is to listen without judging.

Dr.

Elsie tells us that we should try to let them talk in their own time and don't interrupt them or try to downplay their experience.

We can also stay calm and kind.

So social work Natalie says here that we can show that we care by reassuring them that it isn't their fault.

Make sure that you don't gossip about what you've been told with others as well.

Next, you can encourage them to speak to a trusted adult.

You can remind them that they don't have to go through it alone.

You might also offer to go with them if they're nervous, or suggest that they speak to a support service like Childline if they feel that they can't speak to anyone in person.

However, if we are offering someone support because they've experienced harmful sexual behaviour, there's things that we should not do.

We should not keep harmful or upsetting behaviours a secret, and we shouldn't try to fix everything ourselves.

We should encourage the people who are experiencing harmful behaviours to speak to a trusted adult and access additional support.

Now, let's check our understanding about what we've just learned.

So what should you do to support someone? You're gonna read through those four options and then tell me, which of them are the correct answer? Really well done if you said that we should listen without judging.

Now, we're gonna put our learning into practise.

So Holly tells Amira that she's been receiving unwanted and inappropriate messages online.

And it's making her feel uncomfortable and anxious.

Holly is not sure whether to tell anyone.

What I want for you to do is to write a short script in which Amira supports Holly in this situation.

And you can use these prompts to help you.

What would Amira say to show Holly that she cares? How would Amira encourage Holly to stay safe? And what might Amira suggest that they do next? So pause the video and write down your script for this situation.

Excellent, let's have a look at what you might have said.

So you were asked to write a short script in which Amira supports Holly in this situation.

And your answers might look like this.

Holly says, "Hey, Amira, I've been getting inappropriate messages online and it's making me feel really worried and uncomfortable, I'm not sure what to do." You might have said, Amira says, "I'm really sorry that's happening to you.

Thank you for feeling like you can tell me, I won't tell anyone else.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about the situation?" Your script might continue like this.

Holly tells Amira more about the situation that's happening.

And Amira says, "That sounds horrible and it's not your fault, Holly.

Remember, you don't have to deal with this all on your own.

It would be a good idea to talk to a trusted adult about this, like our teacher.

I can come with you if you like." So we can see that Amira is listening without judgement , and she is encouraging Holly to go and access additional support.

She's not trying to fix the situation all by herself.

Holly says, "Thanks, Amira, that will be really good.

You're a really good friend." And Amira says, "That's okay, Holly, I'm happy to come with you, I want you to feel supported." So well done if you mentioned any of those things in your script.

We're moving on now to the final part of our lesson where we're asking the question, what can I do? And who can help if I feel unsafe? So feeling unsafe means that we're in a situation where something doesn't feel right, even if you can't explain why that is.

It might be that someone is touching you in a way that feels wrong.

You're being pressured to share photos or keep secrets.

You're walking home and it feels like someone's following you.

You're being shouted at or threatened, or you're getting upsetting or strange messages online.

Now, I want you to pause here and we're gonna check our understanding.

I would like you to name a situation in which you might feel unsafe, so pause the video here.

So you might have said a situation which you might feel unsafe might be someone touching you in a way that feels wrong.

Being pressured to send photos or keep secrets.

Walking home and feeling like someone's following you.

Being shouted at or threatened.

And getting upsetting or strange messages online.

Dr.

Elsie here is telling us that if something is affecting your body or your emotions, you can tell her as your GP.

We'll work together to help you feel safe again.

Remember, medical professionals are one of the trusted adults that we can go to if we're ever concerned about harmful sexual behaviours, or anything that's making us feel unsafe or impacting our emotions.

Police officer Kofi here is telling us, if you feel in danger, you can always come to us.

It's our job to protect you.

Telling a trusted adult about something serious someone else has done isn't about getting someone in trouble, it's about keeping yourself and others safe.

Social worker Natalie here tells us that "You don't need to have all the answers.

You can just tell me what's going on.

I'll listen and help you stay safe and supported." And Ms. Walsh, who is a teacher and the designated safeguarding lead is telling us, "Or you could talk to us.

Even if you feel nervous or unsure, speaking up helps to protect others and stop the behaviour." So as you can see, you've got lots of different avenues of support if you're ever concerned about something, Holly says, "I wasn't sure if what I experienced was serious, but it did feel wrong and I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I was worried that no one would believe me.

But when I told a teacher, they listened and they took it seriously." Ms. Walsh, the DSL says, "If someone's touching, messaging, or talking to others in a sexual way that makes them feel uncomfortable, it's important to tell a trusted adult, even if it feels difficult to do so." So if you ever feel unsafe, what you should do is leave the situation if you can.

Find a trusted adult, like a teacher, parent, or carer, safeguarding lead, or youth worker.

And you should call 999 if you're in immediate danger.

You can also tell a GP or school nurse if it's something that's affecting your health or your mental wellbeing.

And if you feel unsafe as a result of something online, you can also take screenshots, block, and report.

Now, let's check our understanding here about what we've just learned.

So if you feel unsafe, you should leave the situation if you can? Call 123 if you're in immediate danger? Or find a trusted adult? So I want you to pause the video here and have a think about your answers.

Really well done if you said A, to leave the situation if you can.

And, C, find a trusted adult.

And, of course, B is false because if we're in immediate danger, we call 999.

Let's check our understanding again here.

So true or false, I or someone else will get into trouble if I tell a trusted adult something that someone else has done? So I want you to pause the video and have a think about your answer.

Really well done if you said false.

And it's false because telling a trusted adult about something serious that someone else has done isn't about getting anyone in trouble.

What it is about is keeping yourself and others safe.

Now, we're gonna put our learning into practise one last time.

So I want you to choose one situation where someone might feel unsafe.

This could be at school, online, or in public.

And I'd like for you to write down three things you could do to keep yourself safe.

Two people or places you could go to, to ask for help.

And one sentence you could say to ask for help.

So you're gonna pause the video and write down your answers.

Great work, so let's have a look at what you might have said.

So you were asked to write three things that you could do to keep yourself safe in the situation that you chose.

And you might have said to call 999, leave the situation if you can, and speak to a trusted adult.

You were then asked to name two people or places that you could go to for help.

You might have said a police station or a GP's surgery.

Finally, you were asked to write one sentence that you could say in order to ask for help.

And you might have said, "I'm feeling unsafe and I think I need some support." Well done if you mentioned any of those things in your answer.

Now, let's end today's lesson with a summary of what we've learned together.

So harmful sexual behaviour can happen in person or online, and it is never acceptable.

There are different ways you could show support to someone who is going through a difficult time.

You should listen, never blame the person affected, and signpost them to a trusted adult or support service.

You should never keep harmful behaviours a secret.

And you should report them, even if it feels difficult.

Trusted adults and services can help keep everyone safe.

Now, if any of the issues that we covered in today's lesson affect you in any way or you have any concerns, here are some places you can go to to access support.

First, we have SafeCall, which is a service for young people and family members affected by missing people, county lines, and criminal exploitation.

Finally, we have Childline, a website and phone line which is able to offer confidential advice and support.

And I would like to end this lesson by saying a big well done for all of your fantastic work.

It has been a pleasure to teach you, and I look forward to seeing you in another RSHE lesson soon.