Introduction
A number of strategies that can be used to create a supportive learning environment enabling students to feel safe to learn and ask questions.
They include:
- Making students aware at the beginning of PDHPE lessons that disclosing personal information that indicates they may be at risk of harm will be reported to the school principal in all instances. This includes personal disclosures related to instances of abuse, drug use, neglect or sexual activity under the legal age of consent.
- Being aware that some parts of PDHPE can be confronting and sensitive for some students.
- Enabling students to withdraw if they find issues personally confronting to protect them from making harmful disclosures. Equally, it is important to be prepared for issues that arise as a result of a student making a public disclosure in the classroom.
Risk of significant harm
If a student discloses private information publicly and the teacher does suspect a student is at risk of significant harm they must inform their principal or workplace manager as per the Child Protection Policy: Responding to and reporting students at risk of harm.
The Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) can assist in making an informed decision regarding child protection concerns. More information is available on the Child Protection webpage.