White Ribbon Week 

White Ribbon Week is designed to teach children to make smart choices in media and online. Five messages called Power Boosts, given once a day for five days during the morning announcements at school, are designed to help children understand and commit to behavior that will keep them safe and happy.

Deanna Lambson, developement director of The 2012 Outline for White Ribbon Week "I've Got the Power" explains that while we and our children may not have power over everything that is on the Internet, or that comes to us through any other form of media, we do have the power to decide what we will view, post and pass on to others. 

This video explains the effectiveness of the Power Boost "I will tell a trusted adult if anything makes me feel uncomfortable or confused."

 

Protect Their Minds

This song is just one of the empowering tools for children in this intelligently produced and creative production. Visit Women for Decency's YouTube Channel to see the entire show.

Recommendations

Victor B. Cline, PhD

"The program is not offensive nor controversial but very helpful.

In the last 25 years as a clinical psychologist I have treated some 400 male porn addicts and have seen repeatedly first hand how this toxic material can lead to serious harms...In my private practice I have found that nearly all users and addicts get started anywhere from 8 to 16 years of age. It is at this early age that they need to have information about the risks in its use and how to protect themselves."

 

Kristine Redd, West Jordan parent

"After watching the assembly with me, my second grader turned to me and said, 'I've seen pictures like that at my friend's house.' I was astonished at his exposure and so grateful for the assembly that helped him talk about this uncomfortable subject."

 

Cindy Kohler, PTA, Carl Sandburg Elementary

"it's a difficult subject to present, but the program handled it appropriately. You're giving the students the knowledge to choose for themselves. They don't have to become victimes of pornography and what's out there. They can control what enters their minds. To me it's not much different than teaching them to stay away from drugs."

 

Principal Kim Evans, Hillcrest Elementary, Logan

"Initially, my worry was that community members would think it wasn't the school's role to address this topic [but] as an educator, in addition to academics, we have a responsiblity to focus on value and character development, particularly when it can affect the safety of our children...I only had one parent who was concerned and came to see the performance. Afterwards she said, 'That was really well done.' The performance won her over. We have incidences of pornography. It happens at school...We should fight against pornography through instruction and teaching like we do other negative influences. It's part of creating a safe enviornment. My hope is that other schools in the district will do the same."

 

 

 

Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman signed a proclamation in 2007 declaring February as White Ribbon Against Pornography month. The idea was first conceived by Norma Norris of Pennsylvania in 1988 and has since spread nationwide.

 

Share your school's WRAP activities by submitting them to Women for Decency.