Educational Media Reviews Online

The DVD’s considered for this review, all youth related programs that spotlight and confront issues that teenagers tackle on a daily basis, includes

• Confronting Sexual Harassment in School: What Every Student Needs to Know
• Understanding and Preventing Sexual Violence
• Dealing with Teen Dating Abuse: Crossing the Line
• Before you Hook Up: Dating Rights and Responsibilities
• How to Say No and Really Mean It

. Each video educates students on how to prevent unhealthy interactions with others by understanding the issues at hand, along with having the power and skills to set boundaries and “just say no.” Video reenactments of teenagers coping with different sensitive situations add to the eye-opening explanations of topics concerning gender stereotypes, media safety, teen violence, sexual harassment, and peer pressure.

Consideration and careful reflection is given in revealing the stories of victims who have battled emotional anguish and misfortune from schoolmates. Narratives pertaining to teens who have struggled to get through these various life changing events are very moving. Each video smartly confronts teenage problems and gives real advice and hope on how to change the outcomes and build peer interactions that are healthy and respectful. Exceptional acting/role playing help to make each video credible and viewers will relate to the teens being portrayed as they are very recognizable and could be part of their own family.

These DVDs come with a Teacher’s Resource materials that make learning objectives clear and help to promote classroom discussions. Student activities are included in the materials which makes each DVD thought-provoking and comprehensive while allowing students the opportunity to reflect on their own peer relationships. These titles are highly recommended and should be purchased for programs and schools interested in promoting an equal and just environment for students at every level.