As children develop and gain independence, they begin to face situations where they must make a decision, often spur of the moment when they don't have an adult to consult with. As parents it is important you empower them to be well considered in their choices when you are not around.

Teaching children to question how their behaviour may affect others can help them make decisions that are most beneficial to themselves and others.

The decision making and consequences lesson focuses on how everyday decisions can have long-lasting effects which can be positive or negative. The lesson aims to explain and demonstrate how to improve personal safety and the safety of others through correct decision-making.

In his presentation Constable Kenny explains how making a bad choice can lead to a criminal record, which could then have an influence on the jobs they can apply for and possibly the countries they can travel to down the track for example. As children reach the later years of primary school, Constable Kenny explores issues that children believe they will face in high school and college.

Videos

Visit our YouTube channel for Constable Kenny Koala decision making and consequences videos for a range of age groups.

Related links

The KidsMatter website is an Australian mental health and wellbeing initiative set in primary schools and in early childhood education and care services - like preschools, kindergartens and day care centers. KidsMatter is funded by the Australian Government and beyondblue, and is a partnership between education and health sectors. There are resources about decision making on the website.

The Bullying No Way website is an initiative the Safe and Supportive School Communities (SSSC) Project, which is made up of representatives from all Australian education jurisdictions - all state, territory and federal education departments, as well as national Catholic and independent schooling representatives. Members are working together to create learning environments where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected, valued - and free from bullying.