New program in London teaches teens relationship skills
Local health unit expresses interest
Wednesday November 13, 2002 Roderick Benns
A ground-breaking education program in London, Ontario is setting out to show that teens can learn relationship skills the same way they learn reading, writing, and arithmetic, thereby creating a more peaceful community.

"The Fourth R" is a new 21-lesson curriculum promoting healthy relationships for adolescents with three units targeting violence prevention, sexual behaviour, and substance use. It emerged from a partnership between The University of Western Ontario, led by David Wolfe, professor of psychology and psychiatry, and the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB).

Here in the Peterborough area, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit says locally there is nothing quite like this, but Jeff Koenig, public health nurse, says that the program sounds very interesting.

"We have information that is non-integrated - things on sexual health and drug awareness - but nothing that is all connected" like this program in London, says Koenig.

The curriculum was developed due to the number of negative relationships teens may experience or witness. The thinking is that it is crucial that teens be exposed to healthy relationship models, and that they become equipped with skills to engage in positive relationships.

In a press release, David Wolfe, professor of psychology and psychiatry at Western, says "adolescence offers us with a unique window of opportunity for intervention," who is also the academic director of the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children at Western.

"Social changes, such as the emergence of dating behaviours and the shift towards the peer group from the family provide a perfect chance to engage teens in learning about relationships, and to provide them with skills that will set a precedent for future healthy relationships," he notes.

Koenig notes that The Fourth R curriculum has been implemented in grade nine Physical Health Education programs at four Thames Valley schools. Approximately 600 grade nine students are receiving the curriculum, which is being taught by Physical Health Education teachers who have received special training.

"It is interesting that physical education instructors do this. Certainly, physical activity is used for self-esteem building. In fact, any kind of lifestyle curriculum based on research and best practices is a good thing," notes Koenig.

The curriculum combines traditional learning approaches with more innovative skill development methods, including many opportunities for teens to role-play tricky situations and practice assertive problem-solving. Wolfe and his colleagues hope to eventually expand the program to other high schools in Ontario.

Koenig says that in Peterborough they have a provincial initiative called Go Girls, a mentoring program for Grade 7 and 8 girls. Five girls are matched up with a Trent University student; the program is based on the premise that healthy eating, physical education and positive self-image are all tied together.

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