Empowering and protecting children by enhancing knowledge, skills and well-being: A randomized trial of Learn to BE SAFE with Emmy

Abstract Australia needs effective programs to protect children and prevent abuse, but there is little information available for policymakers or families. Using a randomized controlled trial, Learn to BE SAFE with Emmy ™, a school-based protection program for young children designed by Act for Kids, was evaluated to determine its effectiveness for promoting young children's knowledge and skills. Grade one children ( n = 245) from 15 classrooms across 5 primary schools completed assessment measures. A subset of these children received the program ( n = 131) or acted as a comparison group ( n = 114). Parents ( n = 72) completed questionnaires about their child's participation in the program. When compared with children who had not received the program, children who completed Learn to BE SAFE with Emmy ™ demonstrated increased knowledge of interpersonal safety and were more likely to choose a safe response option to hypothetical unsafe scenarios 6 months after participation than at both pre- and post-intervention. Parents reported their children who participated used more safety strategies immediately and 6 months after participation compared to pre-intervention. Outcomes can assist in guiding future policies around the prevention of child abuse and protect the well-being of Australian children.