Films highlight sexual abuse, suicide

Films Highlight Sexual Abuse, Suicide

Topics ranging from teen sexual abuse and teen suicide to latchkey children and teaching young children how to cope with stress are highlighted in four films released by Walt Disney Educational Media Company of California.

A Time to Tell: Teen Sexual Abuse, a 20-minute drama geared to youths in grades seven through 12, features adolescents in a peer support group who share their experiences of being sexually molested --one a near-victim of "date rape' and the other an incest victim. Teenagers in the film learn to protect themselves as they come to understand the importance of sharing troubling secrets with those who can help them.

The film is designed to promote classroom discussion on selfesteem; pressure from peers, parents and the media; and learning to set limits and say "no' to uncomfortable situations.

The crisis of teen suicide and preventive measures to reduce the adolescent suicide rate--which has more than tripled in the last 25 years--are examined in Before It's Too Late--A Film on Teenage Suicide. The 20-minute film--also intended for use in grades seven through 12--uses the story of a depressed, suicidal high school boy to illustrate some causes of suicidal feelings, common reactions by others, and the support process.

Before It's Too Late advises teens on how they can spot suicidal behavior in their friends and stresses that they can help save a life by being a supportive friend. Students are urged to take suicidal threats seriously and to encourage the suicidal person to confide in a trusted adult or seek professional help. Review questions included at the end of the film are provided to stimulate discussion on this sensitive issue.

Teaching latchkey children safety measures and self-care skills for times when they are home alone is the focus of On Your Own. Beyond practical skills, the 15-minute production, geared to children in grades four through six--discusses the emotional aspects of coping alone and offers latchkey children guidance on confronting their fears.

Self-care skills and safety measures recommended in the film include: key safety; telephone skills; preparing safe snacks (without using sharp knives or a stove); fire safety; handling home emergencies; and precautions to take when dealing with strangers. On Your Own also emphasizes the need for communication between parent and child and encourages children to view being alone as a potentially rewarding experience.

Recent studies conducted by child welfare researchers revealing that children as young as six or seven years of age are experiencing stress provide the theme for Expectations: A Story About Stress, which explores common causes of child stress and how young children can recognize and deal with it. Developed for use in grades four through six, the 22-minute film follows the lives of two children trying to cope with pressures from their family situations. The film's dramatic, open-ended conclusion is designed to spark classroom discussion on the symptoms and causes of stress and ways to cope with pressure. A simple relaxation technique that children can do on their own to help reduce stress is also demonstrated.

A Time to Tell: Teen Sexual Abuse is accompanied by a teacher's guide and suggested discussion questions. Each of the other films includes follow-up activities or other information, in addition to a teacher's guide and discussion questions. All four titles are available in 16mm film or 1/2' VHS and can be previewed free. Information on ordering can be obtained from Linda Capuano, Walt Disney Educational Media Company, 500 South Buena Vista St., Burbank, Calif. 91521.

Photo: "Expectations: A Story About Stress' shows children how to cope with stressful situations like having to assume too much responsibility too young.

Photo: "A Time to Tell' emphasizes the importance of telling someone when sexual abuse occurs.

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