The focus of the Communication Module is to help youth develop awareness around what healthy, clear communication looks like in all types of relationships. When we learn to communicate clearly, this may promote more effective boundary building and conflict resolution in relationships. Furthermore, clear communication facilitates the process of getting help by allowing us to express the kind of support we need. In this module, youth will learn strategies for effective communication, why communication is important when relating to others, and how to resolve miscommunication.

Big Messages:

• Good communication is important for relating to others
• Clear communication is important for expressing how we feel, setting healthy boundaries, and conflict resolution
• Clear communication is important for getting help for ourselves and for our peers
  

Learning Goals:

Increase knowledge about healthy communication skills

• Increase awareness of what good communication looks like
• Explore how clear communication can facilitate getting help for ourselves and others
• Increase awareness of various communication strategies for different situations
  • The importance of using “I-messages” when resolving a miscommunication or conflict
  • The importance of responding assertively for establishing healthy boundaries

What The Evidence Says

(click here for full version of literature review)

Research has indicated that the type of social environment provided to children and youth will influence whether or not they approach someone to tell of their distress or to disclose about maltreatment. For example, Smith and Cook (2008) found that youth who experience family support and openness are more likely to approach their caregivers to disclose sexual assault. Also, when caregivers provide a positive context for youth to discuss sexuality, this increases the likelihood that they would reach out for help when experiencing sexual assault in the future. On the other hand, when children and youth receive negative messages about sexuality or do not feel emotionally safe communicating their distress, they are less likely to reach out (London, et al., 2005; Smith & Cook, 2008; Sorsoli, et al., 2008). These results underscore the importance of a supportive environment for communication. They also indicate the necessity of conversations about healthy sexuality with children and youth. These conversations can enhance their communication skills and help them express their experiences of maltreatment more clearly (Kenny et al., 2008). In general, teaching children and youth communication skills is important for all types of abuse prevention – the ability to communicate clearly can facilitate a child or youth’s ability to get help from a trusted adult.

Note to Facilitator:

The facilitator has a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse to a child protection agency (in the case of Ontario, the Children’s Aid Society (CAS)). Please review over the information provided around disclosure and the reporting process.

Activities

What is Healthy Communication?
The Connect Game
Types of CommunicationVIEW CURRICULUM CHART