Prevention Programs for Students

Grade 2

Kindergarten – Grade 3

These interactive programs work to prevent bullying by encouraging positive attitudes, compassionate behaviors, and caring environments. Students explore feelings and actions, learn the value of kindness, and how to be an “Upstander.”

Grade 6

Targeting a covert form of bullying that intentionally uses gender to cause harm; this program discusses victim impact, clarifies the difference between joking and gender bullying and reviews students’ rights, responsibilities, appropriate responses and resources for support.

Specific age-appropriate topics for upper elementary

NOVA’s digital series provides the foundation for becoming responsible digital citizens.

• iSmart 101 – Grade 4
• Cyberbullying Prevention – Grade 5
• Digital Footprint – Grade 6

Appropriate for students ages 10 to 13

NOVA’s 4 u 2 Know program supports personal safety for tweens as they become more autonomous. The 4 u 2 Know program develops critical thinking skills, strategies for safe interpersonal boundaries, and ways to seek help. As youth begin to enjoy increased independence both offline and online, many do not recognize possible “tricks” that may lead to victimization. Blurring boundaries, giving attention, and gaining trust are all part of the grooming process that starts long before an abusive act occurs.

Students view three video vignettes depicting unsafe situations. These vignettes connect to personal safety strategies and support resources. NOVA educators debrief students after each vignette.

Child sexual abuse thrives in a world of silence, secrecy, and shame. One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault. These experiences often go unreported for many reasons. The child may feel responsible for the abuse or worry that they will not be believed. NOVA seeks to provide an environment where every student feels safe and respected. NOVA staff will identify themselves as mandated reporters but will encourage students to seek support if they feel safe to do so. Should a child choose to disclose, they will know they will be supported and believed by NOVA staff.

Grade 9

Through this victim-centered Sexual Violence prevention program, students will have a clear understanding of what constitutes rape and other forms of sexual violence. Affirmative consent is defined while risk reduction and bystander intervention strategies are explored. Support and resources for victims are provided as well as strategies for how to handle a disclosure of sexual violence from a friend.

A foundational program designed to raise awareness about sexual violence, consent, and healthy communication. Through guided discussions and activities, participants explore key topics like rape culture, consent, and how to respond to disclosures with empathy. The program empowers communities to prevent violence and create safer, more respectful environments for everyone.

This engaging program empowers participants to recognize and safely interrupt harmful situations before they escalate. Through real-life scenarios and practical tools, attendees learn the “5 D’s” of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document and how to choose the right response for each situation. The training builds confidence, empathy, and community responsibility to help prevent violence and promote a culture of care.

This program sheds light on the realities of human trafficking through discussion on what it is, how it happens, and who it affects. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, understand the tactics traffickers use, and explore how social and digital environments contribute to exploitation. Through discussion and practical examples, participants learn how to stay safe, support friends, and connect others to help and resources.