Keeping Kids Safe

• Prevent sexual violence happening among young people
• Feel more confident talking about consent and sex
• Understand how gender inequality contributes to violence
• Learn about recent changes to Victorian consent laws
• Explore age-appropriate, positive ways to talk about sexuality
• Support your child’s learning at school through Respectful Relationships

The program is designed for parents and caregivers of Year 7 and 8 students, although we also welcome parents of other year levels. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an Australian-first initiative. Each session is designed to be interactive and supportive, offering opportunities to connect with others, ask questions, and reflect on your role in shaping a culture of consent. We warmly welcome parents and carers from all faiths, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, and are committed to creating an inclusive program that values and respects a diversity of opinions and beliefs. Catering and additional learning resources will be provided, along with door prizes.

The program takes place over four consecutive weeks, with the dates and times listed below at the following locations. Each session builds on the last, so we encourage participants to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the experience.

2026

Keysborough Community Hub, Keysborough (bicultural workers):

• Thursday 5 March, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 12 March, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 19 March, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 26 March, 10-12:30pm

Peninsula Grammar, Mount Eliza

• Wednesday 22 April, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 29 April, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 6 May, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 13 May, 6-8:30pm

Mentone Activity Hub, Mentone

• Tuesday 28 April, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 5 May, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 12 May, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 19 May, 6-8:30pm

The four session-course is being held in-person at the following venues, for any parents or caregivers in Victoria, noting that the content is targeted at parents of Year 7 and 8 students. Places are limited however, so we encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible via the form at the bottom of this page.

2026

AMES, Dandenong (bicultural workers):

• Thursday 19 March, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 26 March, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 2 April, 10-12:30pm
• Thursday 9 April, 10-12:30pm

Peninsula Grammar, Mount Eliza

• Wednesday 22 April, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 29 April, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 6 May, 6-8:30pm
• Wednesday 13 May, 6-8:30pm

Mentone Activity Hub, Mentone

• Tuesday 28 April, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 5 May, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 12 May, 6-8:30pm
• Tuesday 19 May, 6-8:30pm

For more information about the program, please contact the program coordinator, Laura Riccardi: lriccardi@whise.org.au or 0401 315 387

Alternatively, please view this video, which contains a description of the program.

Women’s Health in the South East has been successful in securing funding through La Trobe University’s Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence Project — a national initiative focused on strengthening the evidence base for what works to prevent sexual violence in Australia.

The funding will support the pilot and evaluation of a new program, Keeping Kids Safe (KKS), which equips parents and caregivers with the tools to have open, respectful and age-appropriate conversations with their children about consent, gender, sexuality and relationships. The launch of the program comes amid growing public debate about how young people are learning about these topics—fuelled in part by the popularity of Netflix’s Adolescence series.

“We’ve seen how shows like Adolescence prompt valuable conversations, but they also highlight just how many parents feel unequipped,” said Kit McMahon, CEO of WHISE.

Designed as a free, four-part course, KKS supports parents and caregivers of Year 7 and 8 students to have honest, age-appropriate and respectful conversations at home. It is being trialled across six cohorts in Victoria throughout 2025 and 2026.

“Parents are often navigating these topics without a roadmap—especially when it comes to complex issues like online media, pornography, or the influence of the ‘manosphere’. KKS gives them the tools and confidence to support their kids and reinforce the respectful relationships education already happening in schools.”

The program is a joint initiative between WHISE, La Trobe University, Sexual Health Victoria, Talking the Talk Healthy Sexuality Education, and South East Community Links. It unpacks key concepts including affirmative consent, gender inequality as a driver of violence, and sex-positive approaches to communication. KKS is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and designed to be practical, inclusive and engaging.

Caroline Mulcahy, CEO Sexual Health Victoria says early, open conversations at home are critical to countering harmful or inaccurate messages young people receive elsewhere.

“What teens see on screen isn’t always healthy, safe or accurate—but it’s often where they’re getting their information,” said Ms Mulcahy.

“We know that age-appropriate conversations with trusted adults can dispel myths, build confidence and resilience, and reduce the risk of harm. This program supports this learning.”

The KKS pilot and evaluation form part of a broader effort to build the evidence base for primary prevention of sexual violence through family and community engagement.

Keeping Kids Safe at a glance:

• Free four-part course for parents and caregivers of Year 7 & 8 students
• Builds capacity to talk about consent, gender, sex, and respectful relationships
• Created by a partnership of experts in sexual health, education and gender-based violence prevention

• 1800 MyOptions
  Free, confidential information and support on contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health.
• ACCCE Sextortion Help
  Support and advice for anyone experiencing online sexual extortion or image-based abuse.
• Age of Consent Laws
  Understand the legal age for sexual activity and how consent laws work in your state or territory.
• Age of consent laws in Australia
  A detailed overview of age of consent laws across Australian states and territories, including legal differences and exceptions.
• Beyond Blue National Mental Health Support
  24/7 mental health support for anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing.
• CASA Centre Against Sexual Assault Victoria
  Free crisis care and counselling for people affected by sexual assault.
• Consent
  A national resource providing clear, accessible information about sexual consent, communication, and respectful relationships.
• eSafety Commissioner
  Help to stay safe online and report cyberbullying, abuse, or unwanted contact.
• eSafety Kids
  Online safety tips, games, and resources for children aged 5 to 12.
• eSafety Young People
  Advice and support for teens on topics like image-sharing, online abuse, and staying safe.
• Kids Help Line
  Free, confidential 24/7 counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25.
• Lifeline Australia: or call 13 11 14
  4-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
• OurWatch
  National leader in the prevention of violence against women and their children.
• Planet Puberty
  A free, evidence-based resource by Family Planning NSW that supports parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder through puberty with inclusive, accessible tools and information.
• Raising Children
  Trusted parenting advice backed by experts, covering all ages and stages.
• Respectful Relationships
  Education programs and resources promoting respectful behaviours and gender equality.
• SHV’s ‘Doing It’ Pod
  A sex-positive podcast exploring consent, pleasure, identity and relationships.
• SHV’s Sexual Health app
  Your go-to app for sexual health info, clinic locations and resources.
• SHV’s Zine
  Creative, youth-led stories and content about sex, relationships and identity.
• Sort your safety
  A tool to support young people in understanding relationships, boundaries and safety planning.
• Talk Soon Talk Often
  A free, evidence-based guide from the WA Department of Health that helps parents and carers have open, age-appropriate conversations with children about relationships, sexuality, consent, and safety.
• Talking the Talk Healthy Sexuality Education
  Empowering parents, educators, and young people with positive, age-appropriate resources to navigate conversations about sexuality, consent, and respectful relationships.
• The Line
  An initiative by Our Watch, The Line is a national campaign aimed at young people aged 12 to 20, promoting healthy, respectful, and consensual relationships by challenging attitudes and behaviors that support violence against women. It offers resources for educators, parents, and young people to foster gender equality and prevent violence.