4 Things You Can Do for a Happy, Healthy New School Year

August 19 2022

Back-to-school is a busy and exciting time for many families across Northeast Ohio. New classes, teachers, routines, and friends can bring anticipation and adventure, but can also carry stress and unexpected challenges. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is here to support young survivors and their caregivers as they embark upon this new year.

Want to join us in creating a happy, healthy new school year? Read below for four ways you can help support students and survivors in our community this fall.

1. Talk about healthy boundaries and relationships. Did you include conversations about everyday consent, boundaries, and respect on your back-to-school checklist? Use the start of this school year as an opportunity to check in with your children on these important topics. For younger students, try these books about healthy boundaries. For teens, start a conversation about what makes healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.

2. Learn about supporting young survivors. If a student in your classroom or a child in your life tells you they have experienced sexual abuse, it’s important to know the resources available to help. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center provides a variety of services to children and primary caregivers of children exposed to sexual violence, and is always available for additional support for professionals and caregivers on the 24/7 hotline.

3. Schedule a virtual or in-person education program for your students, staff, or organization. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offers a wide variety of prevention programs including school-based educational programs for students of all ages, training teachers and staff on how to support students who have been abused, and for parents about how to keep children safe. Request a program for your group online today or email educationoutreach@clevelandrcc.org.

4. Bookmark Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s app. Find videos, articles, and glossary terms for both youth and adults on topics like consent, healthy relationships, and keeping children safe. Our app is accessible on mobile or desktop – no download needed!