Interactive videos help foster healthy relationships

Students from Palmerston North's Awatapu College were some of the first to be involved in Loves Me Not, a nationwide programme aimed at educating kids on family harm.

The programme uses interactive videos, group discussions and exercises to help students understand the signs of what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy.

Inspector Sarah Stewart, Manawatu area commander, commended Awatapu College and the community for taking a proactive approach to educating our young people on healthy and safe relationships.

"I believe this programme will have a significant impact on the future safety of our students and our community.

It covers six core topics, including healthy relationships, consent, sexual consent, barriers to healthy relationships, stepping up and interventions.

New Zealand Police are one of several organisations working with the foundation to support and facilitate the program, which also includes the Highbury Whanau Centre, Te Manawa Social Services, Manline, Child Youth and Family, and staff from Awatapu College.

Gary Yeatman, Awatapu College principal, says he's grateful to the community and Police for their assistance in addressing the issue of family harm.

"It is important that we as schools be proactive in our approach to increasing education around these issues to help keep our young people safe.

Awapatu students gave the course great feedback, with many saying they found the course extremely worthwhile, as it taught them how to recognise the signs of a harmful relationship, as well how they can step in to help others.