Open Communication

• Explaining media’s false representation of relationships
• Talking openly about the hidden negative messages in media, music, fashion, advertising (e.g. glorification of violence, sexual harm, power and control, and stereotypes)
• Providing perspective about healthy relationships and healthy sexuality that children can use when trying to make sense of mass media messages
• Fostering healthy body image
• Fostering gender identity
  - Various levels of relationships (e.g. acquaintance, intimate, sexual)
  - Love vs. control (cooperative vs. coercive relationships)
  - Rights and responsibilities of sexual behaviour
  - Health risks associated with sexual activity
  - Dignity and respect (the importance of self-worth)

V. Cline, S. Cooper, B. Watson and S. Lefever, P. Paul