How to Say NO and Really Mean It

Reviews

This brief video aims to teach teenagers how to say “no” effectively by utilizing four key skills: identifying the problem, brainstorming different choices and consequences, using verbal and nonverbal refusal skills, and being appropriately assertive. Teen actors model different strategies for being assertive in vignettes about underage drinking, pressure to have sex, cheating on a test, bullying, and riding in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Between segments, interviews with teens explore issues such as why it can be difficult to say no, what influences whether or not we say no, and why saying no is an important skill to utilize. This empowering video teaches various refusal skills and can be a valuable addition to middle and high school collections.

–Amanda Rollins, Northwest Village School, Plainville, CT
School Library Journal

Highly Recommended   The DVD’s considered for this review, all youth related programs that spotlight and confront issues that teenagers tackle on a daily basis, includes

• Confronting Sexual Harassment in School: What Every Student Needs to Know
• Understanding and Preventing Sexual Violence
• Dealing with Teen Dating Abuse: Crossing the Line
• Before you Hook Up: Dating Rights and Responsibilities
• How to Say No and Really Mean It

Each video educates students on how to prevent unhealthy interactions with others by understanding the issues at hand, along with having the power and skills to set boundaries and “just say no.” Video reenactments of teenagers coping with different sensitive situations add to the eye-opening explanations of topics concerning gender stereotypes, media safety, teen violence, sexual harassment, and peer pressure.

Consideration and careful reflection is given in revealing the stories of victims who have battled emotional anguish and misfortune from schoolmates. Narratives pertaining to teens who have struggled to get through these various life changing events are very moving. Each video smartly confronts teenage problems and gives real advice and hope on how to change the outcomes and build peer interactions that are healthy and respectful. Exceptional acting/role playing help to make each video credible and viewers will relate to the teens being portrayed as they are very recognizable and could be part of their own family.
These DVDs come with a Teacher’s Resource materials that make learning objectives clear and help to promote classroom discussions. Student activities are included in the materials which makes each DVD thought-provoking and comprehensive while allowing students the opportunity to reflect on their own peer relationships. These titles are highly recommended and should be purchased for programs and schools interested in promoting an equal and just environment for students at every level.

—Hope Marie Cook, Curriculum Center Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State University
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)