Children in the United States suffer higher rates of victimization and crime than adults. Recent research shows that over 60% of children younger than 18 years had experienced one or more victimizations in the past year. In fact, 1 in 4 children will experience some type of trauma or victimization before they reach the age of 16. Prevention education has been shown to be effective at protecting children. MBF Prevention Education Programs are evidence-based and evidence-informed, primary prevention programs. These fun and engaging programs educate and empower students (and relevant adults) with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of child abuse and exploitation, human trafficking, and digital dangers.
The programs are:
RESEARCHED. The programs are developmentally-appropriate, research-based, and utilize prevention research best practices. They are based on the latest research on polyvictimization and teach students one universal set of strategies (5 Safety Rules) to help adults protect them from all types of victimization.
PRACTICAL. The programs were developed WITH schools, not FOR schools, and make the best use of existing resources. This ensures schools have usable programs that will reach and protect children rather than sit on classroom shelves.
SUPPORTED. The programs are supported by national subject matter experts, state leaders, and agencies in the education and prevention fields including Erin Merryn of Erin’s Law, David Finkelhor, Ph.D., Director, Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, and others. They are trusted by parents, schools, and administrators and loved by children. Learn more about our supporters and read feedback about our programs.
the PROGRAMS
Elementary School Edition – For students in grades Pre-K-5
Middle/High School Editions – For students in grades 6-12
For after-school and youth-serving organizations
For youth athletes from beginner to elite
Our programs are currently being implemented in sites in the following states and countries —
the RESEARCH
MBF is committed to ongoing research to ensure the efficacy of our programs and strives to be transparent in our explanations of MBF programs’ efficacy or evidence base. Four independent research studies have examined the effectiveness of the MBF Child Safety Matters® program with positive results for both student knowledge gains and facilitator implementation fidelity. LEARN MORE!
features AND advantages
Compare MBF Programs to other programs with this checklist.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MBF offers additional resources at no cost to parents, educators, and other professionals and community members, including:
Safety Briefs and online resources
Information and help to children, teens, and parents needing support