The Physical Contact Zone
Concerned about sexual bullying or the inappropriate sexual behaviour of some of the young people in your school? Now there is an effective and engaging programme that you can deliver that deals withthis issue in a candid and respectful manner.
The Physical Contact Zone aimed at boys and girls is a powerful interactive programme which targets inappropriate sexual behaviour in young people that you can deliver in-house.
Why is it needed?
Teachers in a number of schools are growing more and more concerned after seeing their pupils interact in a "sexualised" manner with each other. It can be just touching each other or hugging and kissing in the school corridors. At times this sexual behaviour can be intimidating like blocking a students path or even grouping another student.
This behaviour creates a climate of fear and anxiety in schools which in turn can lead to pupil absenteeism and disaffection.
What are the latest statistics?
The most recent government figures show that in 2006-07 there were 3,500 fixed period exclusions and 140 expulsions from schools in England for sexual misconduct - anything from explicit graffiti to serious sexual assault, even rape.
Two hundred and eighty of those expulsions were from primary schools and in 20 cases the child responsible was just five years old. (DCSF).
How can the Physical Contact Zone help?
We have adapted our 'Physical Contact Zone' programme so that it can now be delivered in-house by teachers, youth support staff and mentors. The programme covers the area of inappropriate sexual behaviour in young people in a candid and respectful manner.
The Physical Contact Zone works to reduce incidents of inappropriate sexual behaviour by making student think more about their actions and the consequences of their actions.
What is the Physical Contact Zone?
The Physical Contact Zone is a powerful interactive session aimed at boys and girls. Using power point The Physical Contact Zone is an engaging and candid programme that informs, educates and warns of the dangers and consequences of sexual bullying.
The programme can be delivered to a class, a whole year group or one-to-one.
What are the objectives of the programme?
Objectives are:
- That students gain a full understanding of what is appropriate behaviour towards the opposite sex in a school
- That students learn about respecting each other enough so as not to cross the line into inappropriate behaviour
- That students learn that it is okay to form positive relationships with the opposite sex but to know when to stay outside of the ‘physical contact’ zone.
- That students gain a clear understanding of the consequences of inappropriate sexual behaviour in and outside of school
- That students learn a process for reporting sexual bullying
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered using the Power Point presentation which can be found on ‘The Physical Contact Zone’ CD. A programme facilitator's guide is also provided to guide you through the delivery of the programme.
Click here to see some sample pages of the boys programme guide.
Click here to see The Zone product range.
What comments have been made about The Physical Contact Zone?
"The sessions were delivered in a clear manner that was accessible by all. Students were guided through sensitive issues in a way that prompted respect and a mature response. Pupils left the session talking positively and had a clear understanding of the issues discussed. Many thanks." Esther Holland, Deputy Head, Northbrook School.
This programme can also be delivered by training c-a-n-i consultants. Click here for more information.
We ignore this growing problem of inappropriate sexual behaviour in our schools
at our peril!