1. Activity Introduction

Sometimes something does not feel right.

Maybe someone keeps taking your things, says something that makes you uncomfortable, or asks you to do something you know is not okay.

Your voice matters. You can ask for help when something does not feel right.

Speaking up does not mean being rude or starting an argument. It means using clear words, knowing when to move away, and getting help when you need it.

Today, you will practise a simple safety habit:

NOTICE → SPEAK → GET HELP

2. QUICK PRACTICE: “NOTICE → SPEAK → GET HELP”

👀 NOTICE

Pay attention to what is happening and how you feel.

Something may feel:

• unsafe
• uncomfortable
• confusing
• unfair
• wrong

🗣️ SPEAK

If it is safe to do so, use calm, clear words.

You could say:

• “Please stop.”
• “I don’t like that.”
• “That doesn’t feel safe.”
• “I need help.”
• “I’m not sure what to do.”

🤝 GET HELP

Tell a trusted adult what happened.

If the problem continues, keep asking for help.

Remember

You do not have to speak directly to the person causing the problem if doing so could be unsafe.

If a situation feels unsafe:

Move away → Find a safe adult → Tell them what happened.

Example:
A child keeps taking your pencil even after you ask them to stop.

You could say, “Please stop taking my things.” If they continue, move away and tell a trusted adult.

3. MAIN ACTIVITY: “WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?”

For each situation, read what is happening. Then think:

What could you say?

There may be more than one good phrase. The important thing is to use clear words and get adult help when needed.

Situation 1 — My Things

A friend keeps taking your pencil and notebook after you have already asked them to stop.

What could you say?

A. “Please stop taking my things.”
B. “I don’t like that. Please give them back.”
C. “You are the worst friend ever!”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

Both use clear, respectful words to set a boundary. If the friend does not stop, tell a trusted adult.

Situation 2 — Uncomfortable Jokes

Someone keeps making jokes about you. You do not find them funny, and you feel uncomfortable.

What could you say?

A. “I don’t like those jokes. Please stop.”
B. “Please don’t say things like that to me.”
C. “I’ll make an even worse joke about you!”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

These phrases clearly explain that the behaviour is not okay for you. If it continues, get help from a trusted adult.

Situation 3 — “Don’t Tell Anyone”

Another child asks you to do something you know is against the rules and says, “Don’t tell anyone.”

What could you say?

A. “I don’t want to do that.”
B. “No. I’m going to ask an adult if I’m not sure.”
C. “Okay, but only this once.”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

You do not have to agree to something that feels wrong. Asking a trusted adult for help is a safe choice.

Situation 4 — Pushing Ahead

Someone keeps pushing ahead of you in a queue after you have asked them to stop.

What could you say?

A. “Please stop pushing ahead.”
B. “I was here first. Please wait your turn.”
C. “I’m going to push you back!”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

A calm, clear sentence can communicate your boundary. You do not need to push, threaten, or start an argument. If the behaviour continues, ask a trusted adult for help.

Situation 5 — An Uncomfortable Online Message

You receive an online message that makes you uncomfortable. You are not sure what it means or what you should do.

What could you say?

A. “I’m not sure what to do. I need help.”
B. “I don’t feel comfortable with this.”
C. “I’ll send something strange back.”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

You do not have to handle an uncomfortable message alone. Tell a trusted adult and ask for help deciding what to do.

Situation 6 — Something Doesn’t Feel Right

At school or in a public place, you notice something happening that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure.

What could you say?

A. “I’m not sure what is happening. Can I talk to you?”
B. “I need help with something that doesn’t feel right.”
C. “I’ll go and investigate it myself.”

Most appropriate response:
A or B.

When something does not feel right, getting help is a smart choice. You do not need to investigate a situation yourself.

4. ACTIVITY: “SPEAK UP OR GET HELP?”

For each situation, choose:

SPEAK UP

Use a calm, clear sentence if it is safe.

GET HELP

Go directly to a trusted adult.

DO BOTH

Use a simple boundary phrase and then tell a trusted adult.

Remember: Personal safety comes first.

1. A classmate keeps borrowing your pencil without asking.

Best choice: DO BOTH

You can say, “Please ask before taking my things.” If it keeps happening, tell a trusted adult.

2. Someone you do not know is making you feel unsafe and you think speaking to them could make the situation worse.

Best choice: GET HELP

Move away if possible and find a trusted adult. You do not need to confront the person.

3. A friend keeps interrupting you while you are speaking.

Best choice: SPEAK UP

You could calmly say, “Please let me finish speaking.”

4. Another child asks you to break a rule and says they will be angry if you say no.

Best choice: DO BOTH

You can say, “I don’t want to do that.” Then tell a trusted adult if you feel worried or need help.

5. You see or experience something that makes you feel unsafe and you are not sure what to do.

Best choice: GET HELP

Move away if possible and tell a trusted adult what happened.

5. PRACTICE: “USE YOUR STRONG VOICE”

Now practise saying one sentence aloud.

Choose the phrase that fits each situation.

Situation 1

Someone keeps taking your things after you ask them to stop.

Try saying:
“Please stop.”

Situation 2

Someone asks you to do something you do not want to do.

Try saying:
“I don’t want to do that.”

Situation 3

You are confused or worried about something.

Try saying:
“I need help.”

Situation 4

Something around you does not feel safe.

Try saying:
“I don’t feel safe.”

What is a strong voice?

A strong voice does not mean shouting angrily.

A strong voice is:

• clear
• confident
• respectful
• easy to understand

You can use a strong voice while staying calm.

6. ACTIVITY: “WHAT IF THEY DON’T STOP?”

Sometimes you speak up, but the problem continues.

You do not have to solve it alone.

For each situation, think about the next safe step.

Scenario 1

You say, “Please stop taking my things.” The other child keeps doing it.

What should you do?

Move away if possible → Find a trusted adult → Explain what happened.

You do not need to argue or take your things back by force.

Scenario 2

You tell someone, “I don’t like those jokes.” They continue making the jokes.

What should you do?

Move away if possible → Tell a trusted adult → Keep asking for help if needed.

Your concern is worth sharing even if the other person does not stop.

Scenario 3

You say, “I don’t want to do that.” Someone keeps pressuring you.

What should you do?

Move away if possible → Find a trusted adult → Tell them what happened.

You do not have to keep arguing or convince the other person.

Remember:

Speaking up does NOT mean confronting danger.

If a situation feels unsafe:

Move away → Find a safe adult → Tell them what happened.

7. “IT IS OKAY TO TELL”

Sometimes children worry about asking for help.

You might think:

“What if someone gets angry?”

“What if nobody believes me?”

“What if I get in trouble?”

“What if it seems silly?”

Remember:

If something is bothering you or making you feel unsafe, it is okay to tell a trusted adult.

You do not need to wait until a problem becomes bigger.

If the first adult you tell cannot help, keep asking another trusted adult for help.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

8. QUICK SAFETY REMINDER

⭐ My voice matters.

⭐ I can say “No” or “Please stop” when it is safe.

⭐ I can ask a trusted adult for help.

⭐ I do not have to handle a safety problem alone.

9. ADULT SUPPORT NOTE

Children learn help-seeking skills best when adults respond calmly and supportively.

Parents and teachers can:

• Listen without immediately judging.
• Thank the child for speaking up.
• Take concerns seriously.
• Help the child practise simple boundary phrases.
• Explain when it is safer to move away rather than confront someone.
• Reinforce that asking for help is a strength.

Avoid teaching children that they must always “stand up for themselves” directly. The goal is not to win an argument. The goal is to help children recognise when something is wrong, communicate clearly when safe, and seek appropriate adult support.