NatCon 2025 - Breakout Sessions

Safety Starts with Us: Abuse, Suicide, and Substance Use Prevention in Secondary Schools

Written by CharacterStrong | May 30, 2025 8:41:14 PM

Safety Starts with Us: Abuse, Suicide, and Substance Use Prevention in Secondary Schools

Brandon Bakke, Director of Secondary Education, CharacterStrong
Colton Moore, Junior Curriculum Specialist, CharacterStrong

Topic: CharacterStrong Solution

Grade Band: 6-12

Audience:  Classroom Educators, Counselors, Building Leadership, District Leadership

Tier: Tier 1

Room: 317, Session 4

How can a school launch its own I Know Campaign—a student-centered effort to raise awareness about abuse, suicide, and substance misuse, while promoting safety, self-advocacy, and support-seeking behaviors? In this hands-on, resource-rich session, explore how CharacterStrong’s Safe & Supported curriculum addresses state-required policies while equipping students with practical tools to recognize risks, seek help, and support one another. Participants will learn how to: 1) implement flexible, research-informed lessons that equip students to navigate real-world safety challenges, and 2) generate collaborative strategies to engage staff, families, and students in building a unified prevention effort. Walk away with tools and a step-by-step plan to launch your own awareness campaign.

Resources:

Slide Deck