Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Child Behaviour & Social Influence
This module explores how children learn behaviours from their family, media, and wider society. It highlights the importance of early intervention in shaping positive attitudes and preventing harmful influences from taking root. Parents will gain insights into the key factors that impact a child's behaviour and why proactive guidance is essential in today’s digital age.
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Understanding how children absorb behaviours from family, media & society
00:00
Why intervention is needed early to shape positive attitudes
Knowledge Check: Understanding Child Behaviour & Social Influence
00:08:00
Module 2: The Role of Parents & Male Role Models
This module explores the significant influence that parents and male role models have on shaping a child's behaviour and attitudes. It highlights how positive male role models, especially within the family, can impact children’s understanding of respect, responsibility, and healthy relationships. The module emphasizes the critical role parents play in providing guidance, setting boundaries, and reinforcing positive behaviours. It also discusses how male role models can challenge harmful stereotypes and help promote gender equality by demonstrating respectful attitudes towards others. This session underscores the importance of active involvement from both parents and male figures in a child's life, and how their influence can help foster a culture of mutual respect and positive social behaviour.
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How Male Figures Impact a Child’s Behaviour Towards Women
Breaking Toxic Masculinity: Encouraging Emotional Intelligence in Boys
Why dismissing “boys will be boys” reinforces negative behaviours
The Role of Parents & Male Role Models – Knowledge Check
00:15:00
Module 3: Addressing Harmful Behaviour & Language
This module focuses on identifying and addressing harmful behaviours and language, particularly misogynistic and disrespectful attitudes. It explores strategies for challenging and correcting these behaviours at home, empowering parents to foster a respectful environment. The module also encourages both boys and girls to speak out against harmful behaviour, promoting a culture of accountability and mutual respect.
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Identifying misogynistic language and disrespectful behaviour
How to Challenge and Correct Harmful Attitudes at Home
Encouraging boys & girls to speak out against harmful behaviour
Addressing Harmful Behaviour & Language – Knowledge Check
Module 4: Social Media & Peer Influence
This module explores the impact of social media on children's understanding of relationships, respect, and behaviour. It highlights how digital platforms shape attitudes and influence peer interactions. Parents will learn the importance of setting appropriate digital boundaries through parental controls and monitoring tools. The module also provides strategies for encouraging children to develop positive online habits and think critically about the content they consume, helping them navigate social media responsibly.
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How social media affects a child’s perception of relationships and respect
Parental controls & monitoring: Setting digital boundaries
Encouraging positive online habits and critical thinking
Social Media & Peer Influence – Knowledge Check
Module 5: Practical Strategies for Parents
This module provides parents with effective strategies to foster a positive and respectful home environment. It explores how to create an open family culture where children feel comfortable discussing challenges and asking questions. Parents will also learn the importance of encouraging children to be upstanders, actively speaking out against harmful behaviour rather than being passive bystanders. Lastly, the module highlights when to seek professional help, offering guidance on recognising signs that a child may need additional support from educators, counsellors, or specialists.
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Creating an Open and Respectful Family Culture
Encouraging children to be upstanders, not bystanders
When to seek professional help
Practical Strategies for Parents: Knowledge Check
00:15:00
Assessment & Certification
Quiz to Test Understanding A quiz will be provided at the end of the toolkit to assess your understanding of key concepts, including conversation starters, media guides, and action steps. This will help ensure you have grasped the key principles for fostering respectful communication and positive behaviours at home.Certificate of Completion (CPD Accredited) Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is CPD accredited, acknowledging your commitment to continuous learning and improving your parenting skills.
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Download Course Notes and Parenting Toolkit for Raising Respectful and Responsible Children
Parenting Toolkit: Knowledge Check
00:25:00
Raising Respectful & Responsible Children in a Digital Age
    About Lesson

    Understanding How Children Absorb Behaviours from Family, Media & Society

    Children’s behaviours are shaped by a range of factors, but the most significant influences come from the family, media, and society. Understanding how children absorb these influences can help parents, educators, and caregivers guide children toward positive behaviour and social development.

    1. The Family: The Primary Influence

    The family is the first and most influential environment in a child’s life. From birth, children observe and imitate the behaviours of those around them, especially their parents and siblings. This process of learning through observation is crucial in shaping their understanding of the world.
    Key aspects of family influence include:

    • Parental Role Models: Children learn by mimicking their parents’ behaviours. How parents react in stressful situations, how they interact with others, and how they show affection and discipline all impact a child’s development.

    • Parenting Styles: The way parents raise their children—whether they use authoritative, permissive, or authoritarian styles—affects how children respond to authority, manage emotions, and interact with others.

    • Cultural and Moral Values: Families instil core beliefs, values, and moral lessons. Children tend to carry these values into their adult lives, particularly those learned early on in their family environment.

    • Gender Roles: Children observe gendered behaviours in their family settings, which can influence how they view their own gender identity and the roles they believe they should play in society.

    2. The Media: Powerful but Pervasive Influence

    In today’s digital age, media plays an ever-increasing role in shaping children’s attitudes, behaviours, and worldviews. Television, films, social media, and online platforms provide children with messages and imagery that affect how they perceive themselves and others. The media’s influence is multifaceted:

    • Social Media and Peer Pressure: Social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube expose children to the behaviours and lifestyles of others, often leading to comparisons and pressures to conform. These platforms also shape how children define beauty, success, and popularity.

    • Violence and Aggression: Exposure to violent media can desensitise children to aggressive behaviour and make them more likely to replicate these actions in real life. Studies show that children who regularly watch violent TV shows or play violent video games may be more prone to aggression.

    • Stereotypes and Misrepresentation: The media often reinforces gender stereotypes and unrealistic standards of beauty. These portrayals influence children’s self-esteem and how they relate to others based on gender, race, and body image.

    • Positive Role Models: On the other hand, media can also present positive role models, showcasing individuals who demonstrate kindness, resilience, and respect. These portrayals can inspire children to adopt similar behaviours.

    3. Society: Broader Social Influences

    In addition to family and media, broader societal factors also shape a child’s development. Schools, peers, and community values all contribute to how children absorb behaviours.

    • Peer Influence: As children grow older, their friends and classmates become key influencers. Peer pressure can influence behaviour such as how they dress, how they speak, and what activities they engage in. Children are likely to adjust their behaviours to fit in with their social group.

    • Educational Institutions: Schools play a critical role in teaching children not just academic skills but also social norms. How schools address bullying, diversity, and inclusion can have a lasting impact on children’s behaviours and attitudes toward others.

    • Cultural Norms and Expectations: The culture and community in which a child grows up shape their view of the world. Cultural practices, religious beliefs, and societal expectations influence a child’s understanding of what is acceptable behaviour in different contexts.

    • Authority Figures and Social Institutions: Teachers, coaches, and community leaders serve as additional role models. The way these authority figures interact with children can reinforce positive behaviours like respect, responsibility, and cooperation.

    4. The Need for Positive Influence

    While children are inevitably exposed to negative influences, it is important to focus on providing them with positive guidance. By creating environments that promote healthy behaviours and positive role models, we can help children develop strong emotional and social skills.

    • Role Modelling: Adults must model the behaviours they wish to see in children, whether it’s respect, kindness, empathy, or responsible decision-making.

    • Open Communication: Encouraging open conversations about what children see in the media or experience in their daily lives can help them process these influences and make informed decisions.

    • Critical Thinking Skills: Teaching children to think critically about the content they consume—whether it’s media, social interactions, or societal norms—can help them make better choices and avoid harmful behaviours.

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