Safer, Smarter Teens

In 2014 the South Carolina Legislation passed Erin’s Law, as part of Health and Safety Education. The purpose of the law is to ensure that all students Pre-Kindergarten through High School receive this prevention instruction during the academic school year. The intent of the law is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to remain safe from sexual assault and how to make a report if an assault occurs.

In addition, in 2023 Gavin’s Law was passed requiring local school districts to collaborate with the State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General's office, to implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provisions of Gavin’s Law which educate students on how to identify sexual extortion. Gavin's Law instructional content has now been added to the already established Erin's Law lessons. Counselors will be presenting these lessons to students in classrooms in the coming months.

The Julie Valentine Center is partnering with Greenville County Schools and will also be presenting a program to our 6th grade students in November on Safer, Smarter Teens. This unit is designed to help students recognize harassing behaviors, how to report them, and what to do if they see or experience these types of situations. The overall goal of this program is to empower students to identify and adopt a positive online presence, deal with potentially dangerous and harassing situations while emphasizing respectful, responsible relationships. 

Please see the information below including a copy of an opt out form for the Safer, Smarter Teens presentation.  If you do not want your student to participate in this lesson, you must return this form by Friday, September 26th.  Please feel free to reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions.