Responsible Behavior with Youth and Children
INTERVENE EARLY, PREVENT EARLY
Responsible Behavior with Youth and Children (RBYC) is a universal middle school curriculum designed to promote safe and appropriate interaction between young adolescents, their peers, and younger children. RBYC prevents problem sexual behavior and child sexual abuse by empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make thoughtful, safe decisions both online and offline. Each session encourages open discussion, and is supported by animated videos and valuable resources for parents and educators.
Most child sexual abuse is caused by other children. RBYC provides the tools to take action and build safer communities for all.
RBYC was developed using a trauma-informed approach and is endorsed by, and includes feedback from, middle school students, educators, and parents.
OUR REACH
Proof of Concept in the U.S.
A pilot randomized controlled trial funded by NICHD showed increased self-efficacy amongst children to prevent sexual harm, and greater knowledge about developmental differences, consent, and problem sexual behaviors.
Reaching Scale in Germany
The adaptation and evaluation of RBYC in Germany, in partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Finder Akademie, will deliver the curriculum in 24 schools across the country. This initiative is funded by Oak Foundation.
Adapting For Neurodiversity
With funding from World Childhood Foundation, and in collaboration with Kennedy Krieger Institute, RBYC has been fully adapted for neurodiverse teens and enhanced with educational videos to make implementation easier.
Evolving in the Philippines
The blending of RBYC with existing curricula will reach 250 students and incorporate the voices of educators, parents, and students. The project is funded by Safe Online, and conducted in partnership with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse and World Hope International.
Early adolescence is a crucial developmental stage and unique opportunity to empower children to navigate healthy and safe relationships.
EVIDENCE BASE
School-based programs have been shown to be feasible, deliver impact, and have huge potential for scale, worldwide. But we need resources, now.
TAKE ACTION WITH RBYC
If you're a funder interested in youth-focused programs, a policymaker drafting more ambitious legislation for schools, or an educator striving to enhance your curriculum...we want to hear from you.
1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18 (UNICEF, 2024). Research indicates that up to 70% of these instances are caused by other children under 18 (Finkelhor, 2020). Preventing abuse at scale demands a focus on our youth and children. And we have the tools to do it.