Protecting North Carolina Students - Safety Education Requirements for Grades 6-12

Overview

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, all North Carolina public school units are required to provide age-appropriate education on child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse to students in grades 6 through 12 at the beginning of the school year. This action is mandated by Session Law 2023-128/House Bill 142, “Protect Our Students Act”. The materials mandated by this law were not available at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year; therefore, under the terms of this statute, all school districts are to comply at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Requirements for Schools

  • Annual Education: Schools must provide information on child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse:

    • In a document given to all students at the beginning of each school year.

    • Posters or displays are visible in high-traffic areas of each secondary school.

    • A video produced by the Center for Safer Schools is shown to all students in grades 6-12 within the first five days of the school year.

  • Video & Lesson Content: The lesson guides and video help students:

    • Identify inappropriate behavior by adults.

    • Recognize warning signs and unsafe situations.

    • Practice strategies to stay safe and healthy.

    • Know how and where to report concerning behavior—including the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System available 24/7 by app, website (www.SaySomething.net), or hotline (1-844-5-SAYNOW).

  • Availability for Inspection

 Protecting Students

  • What Is Abuse? Abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm intentionally done to a child. Sexual abuse covers unwanted or inappropriate sexual behavior, including situations where a minor cannot legally consent.

  • Reporting: Students are encouraged to speak up if they feel unsafe or observe inappropriate behavior. Reports can be made to trusted adults or anonymously through the Say Something system.

Important Reminders

  • The North Carolina Center for Safer Schools has designed lesson content to be age-appropriate and supportive.

  • Support is available: Schools will have plans for students who are distressed by these topics.

  • False reporting: Deliberately making a false report can have serious consequences.

 Contact for Support

  • If you have questions, concerns, or would like to opt your student out of participation in this discussion, please contact the administration at Swain Middle or High School

  • Local Division of Social Services (for Bryson City/Swain County): 828-488-6921

For more information or to report a school safety concern, visit www.SaySomething.net or contact your local school.

This notice fulfills the transparency, information, and reporting provisions of Session Law 2023-128/House Bill 142 Section III a-b and combines key details from the state-mandated lesson guides for middle and high school students.

Student Handout/Poster

High School Video/Facilitator's Guide

Middle School Video/Facilitator's Guide