The development of these skills and capabilities will empower children and young people to take positive action to protect themselves and promote positive and respectful relationships.
Why is it important?
Knowing what to do and who to go to in response to a feeling, thought, action or question is essential for children and young people to cope and thrive as they grow and change. The development of life skills and capabilities will empower students to take positive action to protect themselves and promote positive and respectful relationships.
Developing and applying personal values, attitudes and skills supports students to communicate effectively with family, peers, and partners. Students who live according to their own values can take responsibility for their own behaviour, think critically and practice effective decision-making about their relationships, sexuality and reproductive and sexual lives. Clarifying myths and accessing factual information and reliable sources of information supports further learning.
Sub-elements of personal skills, attitudes and values
- Values, attitudes and sources of information – values guide our behaviour and give purpose and direction to our lives. Students will have a range of sources of information, attitudes and values that impact how they think about sexuality and the way they make decisions about their health.
- Norms and peer influence on sexual behaviour –perceived norms and influences will impact on the values, attitudes and behaviour of children and young people in relation to sexuality and sexual health.
- Decision making – making responsible decisions is important as they affect self and others.
- Communication, refusal and negotiation skills – communication includes sharing information, feelings, and attitudes with other people. Refusal and negotiation skills allow people to say no, solve problems or resolve conflict.
- Assertiveness – assertiveness is communicating feelings and needs while respecting the rights of others.
- Finding help and support – people can seek help and support from family, friends, or professionals.