We are thrilled to introduce the Yellow Tick Program as a pivotal component of our Shine Bright Schools initiative, designed to safeguard our children and nurture respectful, secure relationships within our community.
Yellow Tick, a community-driven initiative born from the pressing need to address concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our children.
Recent reports of unhealthy relationships between adults and children have underscored the necessity of proactive measures to ensure our children's welfare is maintained, upheld, and respected in a way that encourages self-autonomy and strengthens our children's response to danger.
The Yellow Tick program derives its name from two powerful symbols. Yellow, commonly associated with safety in worksites and road signs, represents a secure environment. The tick symbol signifies correctness and positive reinforcement—feelings of accomplishment, pride, and worthiness that we want our children to experience in safe, loving relationships with trusted adults.
The Launch of Yellow Tick
Our initiative began at the Inspire session, which was aimed at uplifting and empowering women in the community with knowledge, determination, self-esteem, and self-worth. During this session, we outlined the fundamentals of child grooming, differentiating between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and discussing practical tools to protect adults and children. This foundational knowledge is crucial for fostering a safe environment for our children.
Adapting the Program for Children
We then tailored the program for primary-aged children, ensuring the content was age-appropriate and easily digestible. We focused on identifying safe individuals in their lives, termed "yellow tick people." Through collaborative discussions, we empowered the children to evaluate their safe network critically, understand the qualities that make someone trustworthy, and recognise the importance of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Recognising the growing threat of online predation, Yellow Tick also covers online safety. We educate children on safeguarding themselves in the digital space, particularly in online gaming, where predators may attempt to gather information to gain physical access to them.
Building Autonomy and Awareness
The Yellow Tick program aims to strengthen children's self-autonomy and awareness of their rights, fostering a sense of security within the community. Our vision extends beyond primary schools; we plan to introduce these concepts to high school students, incorporating discussions on consent and its critical importance.
We believe that through Yellow Tick, we can cultivate a community where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to form healthy relationships with trusted adults. Together, we can create an environment where every child experiences the positive reinforcement symbolised by the yellow tick.
Acknowledgment of IMB Charitable Foundation
We extend our sincere gratitude to the IMB Charitable Foundation, whose generous support makes the Shine Bright Program possible. Through their commitment, we can cultivate a community where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to form healthy relationships with trusted adults.
What a fantastic initiative with lifelong skills and benefits. Thank you LIVEfree Project and IMB for making this happen.