As school counselors, one of our most important responsibilities is helping students learn how to protect themselves — emotionally, physically, and socially. Erin’s Law, passed in many states across the U.S., reinforces this crucial mission by requiring schools to teach children about personal body safety and how to report abuse.
But how can we teach such a sensitive topic in a way that empowers students without creating fear? And where do we even start?
I think the first thing to keep in mind, that you want kids to become comfortable talking about things that are uncomfortable. I say this to kids all the time. No one likes to talk about it. It feels yucky, and it’s hard. But knowing that there are trusted adults who are OK with these uncomfortable talks that will be there for them if they are ever needed, is a small comfort in it all.
What is Erin’s Law?
Erin’s Law is named after Erin Merryn, a childhood sexual assault survivor and advocate for prevention education. The law requires public schools to implement age-appropriate, evidence-informed instruction on recognizing unsafe situations, understanding personal boundaries, and learning how to seek help.
The goal is simple but profound: equip students with knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe — and to ensure that no child feels alone, trapped, or voiceless if they experience abuse.
Why Erin’s Law Matters for School Counselors
As school counselors, we play a vital role in the implementation of Erin’s Law. We’re not only providing critical information but also creating safe spaces for students to ask questions, express concerns, and understand their rights.
When done thoughtfully, teaching about personal safety strengthens trust, builds resilience, and fosters a culture of respect and empowerment within the school community.
That said, it’s important that these lessons are:
- Developmentally appropriate
- Sensitive but empowering
- Interactive and engaging
- Clear about trusted adults and safety strategies
That’s exactly the approach I used when developing my personal safety lessons for Grades K-8.
How to Teach Personal Safety Lessons Effectively
When you are teaching safety lessons, it’s important to:
- Use language that kids can relate to. I use Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch and Unwanted Touch
- Let kids know they have rights and their body is their body
- Use interactive activities to encourage discussion
- Reinforce the concept of trusted adults students can go to for help
- Empower students to listen to their instincts and assert their boundaries
- Normalize conversations about safety and privacy without adding fear
- Keep the focus on what students can do rather than just what to avoid
Simple role-plays, movement activities, sorting games, and scenario discussions all help students internalize these important lessons in a way that feels safe, not scary.
How My Personal Safety Lessons Can Help
To support counselors with meeting Erin’s Law mandates (and to make your job easier!), I created a full collection of ready-to-use personal safety lessons for Grades K–8 that align with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors. Here’s a quick look:
Grades K–1 Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Everyday, Every Place
Students learn basic safety rules at home, school, and in the community through movement activities, a flipbook craft, and discussions. - Lesson 2: Safe, Unsafe, and Unwanted Touches
Students explore the difference between types of touches and practice using assertive voices to set boundaries. - Lesson 3: Public vs Private Body Parts
Students learn about public and private body parts and practice responding to unsafe situations in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
Grades 2–3 Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Safe, Unsafe, and Unwanted Touches
Students identify trusted adults, recognize unsafe or unwanted touches, and learn how to respond assertively - Lesson 2: Secrets and Surprises
Students differentiate between safe surprises and unsafe secrets and identify trusted adults they can turn to for help. - Lesson 3: Bike Safety
Students explore personal safety concepts through the lens of bike safety tips, teamwork, and responsibility.
Grades 4–5 Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Know the Facts
Students learn about personal boundaries, unwanted touches, and the importance of saying “stop” — using games, videos, discussion prompts, and word searches. - Lesson 2: Unwanted Touches and Secrets
Students explore the difference between secrets and privacy and practice identifying unsafe scenarios. - Lesson 3: Being Safe Online
Students discover strategies for staying safe on the internet, handling cyberbullying, and recognizing suspicious online activity.
Grades 6–8 Lesson:
- Lesson 1: Consent and Boundaries
Middle school students dive deeper into understanding healthy boundaries, consent, advocacy skills, and respecting others. Realistic scenarios, group discussions, and reflection activities bring these concepts to life. - Lesson 2: Relationships and Cyber Safety
Students explore the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships and learn strategies to stay safe online and in dating scenarios
Each lesson includes:
✔️ A detailed lesson plan
✔️ PowerPoint slides
✔️ Warm-up games
✔️ Scenario cards and worksheets
✔️ Student reflection pages
✔️ Built-in discussion prompts for easy facilitation
Why Counselors Love Using These Lessons
- Everything is done for you — just open the lesson and go.
- Activities are age-appropriate and engaging — no boring lectures here!
- Focus on empowerment, not fear — building confidence and resilience.
- Flexible for individual classrooms, grade-level meetings, or counseling groups.
These lessons not only meet Erin’s Law requirements but also help foster a school environment where students know how to protect themselves and advocate for their safety.
Ready to bring personal safety lessons to your students with confidence?
You can find all these ready-to-use lessons inside my Counseling Essentials store or explore them through the Perks Counseling Content Club for even more time-saving resources!
Together, we can help every child feel safer, stronger, and more supported. ❤️
Want more info? Check out this podcast episode: 8. Erin’s Law and School Counselors
I hope this was helpful. If you have additional ways that you teach Erin’s Law, I’d love to hear from you.
