Safe from Harm Parent/Child Communication Program

Parent/child communication is consistently cited as a factor influencing the likelihood that youth will initiate sexual activity and engage in risky sexual behavior. Based on behavior change theories and best practices of interpersonal communication (IPC), the Safe from Harm program is an innovative approach to changing youth’s high risk sexual behavior in sub-Saharan Africa. The Safe from Harm program seeks to:

• Equip parents with knowledge and skills to talk to their children about reproductive health, HIV, and life in general;
• Give adolescents the opportunity to enhance life skills and HIV risk perception;
• Provide parents and youth a forum in which to build these skills; and
• Encourage adolescents to delay sexual debut and/or adopt other safer sexual behaviors.

The program consists of a series of five sessions for youth and their parents. The groups meet separately during the first four sessions; during the final session, parents and their children come together to practice the skills they have acquired. Each group session is based on structured material including group discussion, role plays, and case studies. 

A pilot test of Safe from Harm in South Africa and Zambia demonstrated that among youth, the program significantly increased HIV risk perception, self-efficacy to handle peer pressure, and acceptance of romantic relationships without sex.  Among parents, there was a significant increase in communication about HIV and level of comfort communicating with children. Currently Safe from Harm is being implemented in Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

The facilitators’ guide includes the parent, youth, and joint program sessions.