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PeaceTalks is a research-based 10-video, teen violence prevention series offering real-life practical solutions. Comedian and teen counselor Michael Pritchard shares key violence prevention strategies that emerge from his discussions with teens across the country. Each program can stand on its own and includes a comprehensive Leaders Guide. The series was developed for middle through high school age youth and incorporates active participation by teens from diverse backgrounds.

PeaceTalks has won 16 major national awards and is presently being shown to teens, teachers, parents, counselors, youth caregivers, and juvenile justice personnel and may be purchased with drug-free and safe-school funds.

• Preventing Violence
• Resolving Conflict
• Managing Your Anger
• Dealing With Bullies, Troublemakers, and Dangerous Situations
• Respecting Yourself and Others
• Handling Dating Pressures and Harassment
• Bridging Racial Divisions
• Handling Peer Pressure and Gangs
• Drugs, Alcohol and Guns: Triggers to Violence
• Stepping Up to Peace

#1 Preventing Violence 

Preventing Violence presents a powerful profile of the types of violence teenagers face today and the emotional toll it is taking on their lives. Personal stories are intercut with lively discussions on violence prevention. Practical strategies for avoiding and reducing violence emerge as students learn the importance of predicting consequences, cooling down, and walking away.

#2 Resolving Conflicts

Resolving Conflicts examines the reasons why so many teen disagreements turn into conflicts and fights. Teens learn the importance of good communication skills in resolving conflicts, and how to cool out conflicts before they become violent. Real life confrontations are de-escalated when teens respect each others feelings and learn to assert themselves in non threatening ways.

#3 Managing Your Anger

Controlling one's anger is a critical life skill and Managing Your Anger explores the difficulties teens face learning to control theirs while dealing with raging hormones, the pressures of grown-up responsibilities and the generalized anger of mass culture. Teens humorously outline their biggest pet peeves, and learn to deal with some of life's most common aggravating situations without blowing up. Kids learn to express anger in non hurtful ways and let go of pent-up resentments through forgiveness and self-control.

#4 Dealing with Bullies, Troublemakers, and Dangerous Situations

Bullies are no longer the big loud kids who like to intimidate and push other kids around on the playground. Now bullies travel in gangs and often pack deadly weapons. The rules for engagement have changed and this program explores how to best handle bullies and protect victims without getting hurt. Teens learn how to recognize potentially dangerous situations and avoid violence by reasonably predicting the consequences of their actions.

#5 Respecting Yourself and Others

Whether you call it dissing, busting, capping or snapping, showing disrespect is probably the most common source of conflict and violence in the teen years. Respecting Yourself and Others examines both the humor and pain inherent in the put-downs and status games that typify so many teenage relationships, and reveals how they can easily move from innocent fun to hurtful attacks - particularly when used against different social, racial or ethnic groups. Discussion centers on how to handle perceived disrespect in potentially violent situations, and how a positive self-image can provide the confidence and composure to ignore insults and walk away from threatened violence.

#6 Handling Dating Pressures and Harassment

Handling Dating Pressures and Harassment deals with the difficult issues of sexual harassment, sexual coercion, and date rape, which are occurring with surprising frequency in the nation's schools. Discussion outlines typical types of harassment and abuse which occur in the teen years, and successful strategies for dealing with verbal and physical attacks. Teens learn how to say no to abuse and the importance of building healthy positive relationships.

#7 Bridging Racial Divisions

Nothing can fan the flames of teen violence like the mistrust and conflicts which result from racial divisions. Bridging Racial Divisions explores the painful personal consequence of racial conflicts as teenagers from different racial groups come together to discuss the stereotypes and prejudice that divide them. Triggers to violence such as racial slurs and graffiti are examined, and teenagers are encouraged to value diversity and build communication across racial and ethnic lines.

#8 Handling Peer Pressure and Gangs

Handling Peer Pressure and Gangs deals with a variety of issues concerning peer pressure, values and friendship, by examining why kids join cliques, groups and gangs. Teenagers are challenged to decide what they would do if a close friend wanted them to do something wrong, illegal, or dangerous, and are asked to examine the types of friendships they are making. The meanings of true friendship and the value of positive peer pressure are highlighted as ways to make good friends and stay out of trouble.

#9 Drugs, Alcohol, and Guns: Triggers to Violence

This critical program examines the shocking prevalence of guns at teen parties and clubs and the predictably dangerous consequences of this casual mix of drugs, alcohol and weapons. Adults will learn of a brave new world where guns are omnipresent and kids think prevention means planning an escape route when they start to go off. Teens recount frightening personal stories of explosive violence when minor offenses on the dance floor turn deadly. Notions of adolescent immortality are challenged as teens come to realize that going to parties with drugs, alcohol and guns is simply not worth the risk.

#10 Stepping Up To Peace

Stepping Up To Peace focuses on the role of community in teenagers' lives and how developing a strong sense of community can be a powerful way to reduce violence. The ethical basis of community spirit is explored as teens decide whether or not to help a stranger in need. Teens learn that compassion, tolerance and respect are the cornerstones of any community and discover ways to use these values to create stronger communities in their schools and neighborhoods.

Ordering Information

From the producers of:

HeartLand Media

4104 24th Street, # 128
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-642-5828
415-642-5838 (fax)
Order Line: 1-800-99-YOUTH