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Violence Prevention - Keeping Ourselves Safe

Information for Parents and Whanau

What is Keeping Ourselves Safe (KOS)?

KOS is a positive personal safety programme which aims to provide children and young people with the skills to cope with situations that might involve abuse. It will help them keep themselves safe when they meet other people.

Why was KOS developed?

KOS was developed in response to an increased awareness and concern among teachers and Police of the need to protect young people from abuse.

The programme was written by Police and teachers, in consultation with a wide range of community groups.

Who is KOS for?
KOS is for students from junior primary school to senior secondary school. Different programmes have been prepared so that at each level of their schooling students learn new skills to keep safe with other people.

Who teaches the programme?
Your local police education officer introduces KOS to your school and helps teachers prepare for teaching. They provide all the teaching materials the school needs. Your child's teacher then takes the lessons in class. This teacher is the person most likely to notice a student who needs help. The police education officer may be invited to come in for some lessons.

What happens if a young person discloses abuse?
Your school will have a policy which states how reports of abuse will be handled. You should ask to see this policy so that you know what will happen if information about abuse comes to notice in your school.

What if I want more information about KOS?
Your school will hold a parents' meeting to consult and inform you about KOS. The police education officer will probably be present at this meeting.

You will see an introductory video and the resources that are used as part of the programme. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have. You could also contact the school principal if you want to talk further.

Additional pamphlets about child abuse are also available from the school.

The success of Keeping Ourselves Safe in your school requires the total involvement of young people, teachers, parents and whanau.

You can all work together to keep our young people safe.