SANDY Utah (ABC4 News) - Move over Stranger Danger, there is a new program in town. It's called Rad Kids and a Sandy principal says it should be taught in every school in Utah. Should it be in your child's school?
Like most second graders Gavin Wixcom has a few things that he's afraid of. "I used to be scared of bullies, sometimes robbers and bad guys and sometimes strangers."
In the past Gavin may have sat in a classroom and had a lesson about Stranger Danger but those days of just talking are gone. This program is called Rad Kids and it's all about action. The program has been around since 1998, and it stands for Resisting Aggression Defensively. It's been taught in Utah schools before, but Sunrise is the first school in the Canyons district to teach the program.
"We can talk about it, but until we actually let kids take it to the next level and practice it physically, it's hard for them to remember and internalize the skills."
Principal Frank Schofield believes in the program so much he actually suits up in pads to let the kids practice skills that will help them get away from someone trying to hurt them.
Parents that initially worried the program would promote fear, say kids end up feeling empowered.
"I think we naturally want to shelter and protect our children, but in reality we can't always be with them and this is what it gives them, the tools to enhance their natural instincts," parent and Rad instructor Andrea Stolfa says.
"I want them to learn math, I want them to learn reading, but I also want them to know they are special. No one has the right to hurt them. And if someone tries to hurt them, they can make them stop and tell somebody," Principal Schofield says.
Gavin says he's learned to yell loud, kick hard and run fast. And Gavin says now he's brave. "I think it's really cool, and by doing Rad Kids it makes everyone feel stronger."
So far the week long program has been taught to second and fourth graders at Sunrise Elementary, but the principal is hoping to get it to every child in his school. If you would like more information about rad kids go to www.radkids.org
