Xamination of effectiveness of Safe Child Programme

The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of Safe Child Program, which is adapted to protect children from abuse and similar dangerous situations, and to increase their confidence attended first grade and preschool 54-90 month-children (n=114). In this study, the quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group was used. The experimental group of this study consisted of the children, teachers and their families who participated in Safe Child Program; the control group of children, teachers and their families who did not participate. The placebo group is composed of children, teachers and their families who are not involved in selfprotection activities. The qualitative data of the study were obtained by conducting interviews with six primary teachers and five families who wanted to participate voluntarily from each group. The experimental group consisted four sessions per week and totally 24 sessions for six weeks. After the implementation of the program, post-test measurements were made and follow-up tests were performed eight weeks after the final test measurements. Security Knowledge and Skill Assessment Tool, Peer Bullying Assessment Tool, Culture Independent Self-Confidence Checklist and Internet Security Assessment Tool were used to obtain data from the children. The opinions of the teachers and the families on the effect of the program were determined. In the analysis of the data; Kruskal-Wallis H test was used and when the Kruskal Wallis-H Test showed significant differences between the groups; and also difference in groups were determined with Post-Hoc Multiple Comparison Test. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to compare pre-test-post-test and posttest-follow-up test scores. The findings of the study showed that Safe Child Program positively affects the skills of children to protect themselves, teachers and families stated positive opinions about the program.