What is Child Safety Matters?
Child Safety Matters (CSM) is a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum for elementary school students in grades K-5.
The program educates and empowers children and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital abuse dangers.
A different course for teens is available called Teen Safety Matters.
Prevention education for schools
The program was developed with schools to make the best use of existing resources and ensure schools have effective programs that are easy to implement.
What’s included in Child Safety Matters?
It is presented in two comprehensive lessons ranging from
35-55 minutes by trained facilitators in classrooms.
Facilitators present turnkey scripts along with engaging,
interactive PowerPoints including:
- Lecture
- Videos
- Group discussion
- Games
- Skills-practice activities
“This made me reflect on past students that could have been experiencing abuse; however, I didn’t read the signs.”
— Local teacher who attended a recent adult Darkness 2 Light Training
Program topics include two lessons
Lesson 1
• Safety awareness
• Shared responsibility for safety
• Safe Adults
• Types of abuse
• Red Flags
• Safety Rule
Lesson 2
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Digital abuse
• Digital safety tips
• Digital citizenship
• Safety Rules
All programs are based in evidence and research
Two independent research studies have examined the effectiveness of the program with positive results for both student knowledge gains and facilitator implementation fidelity.
What parents and educators are saying
“I was nervous about the “talk” today. Kids came home talking about it openly and were very informative. I think that it was a great thing to have at our school.”
— Parent
“I am beyond thrilled that Mr. Hathaway, our school counselor, is teaching all of our 8th-grade students about consent. This is such an important topic that up until this year has never before been taught in our school.” Thank you again, for supporting this vital program to schools. Together, we are truly making a difference!“
— North Putnam Middle School teacher
Meet our child safety education team
Call: 317-995-7140
Candace Balzano
Education and Outreach Program Manager
Amanda Yarde
Education and Outreach Program Coordinator
Sharon Tufano
Education and Outreach Administrative Coordinator