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Interrupting the Cycle Violence through Self Defense. Research proves that empowerment self-defense programs work. Participants are less fearful, more aware of their boundaries, and are able to speak up sooner when faced with manipulative or threatening situations. Furthermore, for those who have experienced trauma in the past, evidence shows that empowerment self-defense training can interrupt the cycle of violence and decrease the likelihood of a future assault. Join host, Silvia Smart in this safe space. With over three decades on the frontlines, she’ll give you all the skills and knowledge you need to live your most fearless and empowered life! Support this important work. Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silviasmart Donate through my website: https://nagacommunity.com/product/support-the-empowerment-podcast-by-naga/ Join “The Empowerment Project” Group on Facebook. If you don’t answer the questions, we will not accept you into the group. Special thanks to our producer/editor: Henry Smart-Denson
Episodes
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
An 11-year-old in the Beaverton School District in Oregon was exposed to pornography during science class at school. You KNOW if it’s happening in one middle school, it’s happening in many, if not most.
This episode is a conversation with the student’s mother. We hear what happened and how the school and school district have responded – spoiler alert – or have NOT responded. We talk about specific ways to address pornography with children.
We discuss the policies, procedures and codes as they are written on the school and school district websites. If the rules were working, the child who brought the pornographic website into the classroom on their phone would not have had their phone hidden in the pencil case. The school district claims to be following protocol. If so, why, two days after this incident, is the same phone back in the classroom? “Increased vigilance” is clearly not working.
I believe the school, school district, families and the community care about the safety of all the children. I also believe our community needs better training about how to handle and talk about pornography with middle schoolers, and let’s add in elementary and high schoolers while we are at it. The landscape is changing. We need to keep up.
Pretending it’s not happening, denial, or dismissing it as simply “inappropriate conduct” means the issue is not being dealt with head-on. Pushing this under the rug is not the answer. Again, the landscape is changing, and all of us who care about kids' safety need to keep up.
Important Links for Listeners:
Books and Articles:
Sweden’s Answer - article
Book: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures
UNICEF Article: Protection of Children from the Harmful Impacts of Pornography
The Atlantic, Article: What Porn Taught a Generation of Women
Article by the American Academy of Pediatrics: Talking to Your Child About Online Pornography Exposure
Book: “Getting Off: One Woman’s Journey Through Sex and Porn Addiction
Film: Childhood 2.0
Connections:
Connect about classes regarding parental protocols and cellphone safety
Additional Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
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