Social Safety Highlight! Would You Notice If Someone Put Something in Your Drink?
At our most recent Life Skills Workshop, Dating Safety, the Foster Youth Resource Concierge at Speak Up for Kids partnered with Vita Nova for a fun and memorable evening of bowling, conversation, and safety lessons.
Inspired by a trend on social media, staff secretly dropped gummy worms into participants’ drinks while everyone was eating, talking, and bowling. The gummy worms represented illicit substances and demonstrated just how easily a substance could potentially be placed into someone's drink without their knowledge. Not a single participant at the workshop noticed anything had been dropped in their drink, and everyone kept drinking from their cup.
The gummy worms were harmless, but the lesson was an important one!
This activity showed the young adults how easily a drink can be tampered with when we get too comfortable or find ourselves distracted. We discussed the importance of staying aware of your surroundings, keeping your drink with you, and always trusting your instincts when something does not feel right.
Dating safety is about more than recognizing an unhealthy relationship. It is also about protecting yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally while still being able to meet people, build relationships, and enjoy yourself. This workshop allowed the young adults to socialize with their peers, have impactful conversations, and learn meaningful lessons around social safety!
