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Board approves child‑abuse prevention materials after amendment on age‑appropriate language
Summary
The board approved several Prevent Child Abuse Utah (PCAU) curricula after an amendment to add supportive language for children who have experienced emotional harm; vote was 13‑1 in favor, one dissent from Member Boggess.
The Utah State Board of Education voted to approve a set of curricula from Prevent Child Abuse Utah, including K‑2 and grades 3‑6 child abuse prevention and human trafficking materials, after adopting a small amendment clarifying how to frame emotional‑harm topics for young children.
During Standards & Assessment Committee discussion, board members asked PCAU to clarify a short question‑and‑answer sequence ("How would a child feel if an adult kept telling them that they were worthless?") and to add explicit, age‑appropriate guidance about seeking a trusted adult and building self‑worth. "We requested that there was just a little bit of wording added ... that if children had experienced emotional harm, that there are positive things they could do in their life," said Chair Earl, summarizing the committee amendment.
Public and board reaction: Several board members and public commenters emphasized the need for prevention education in Utah — including the prevalence claims raised during public comment that "1 in 7 children in Utah" experience abuse — and urged the board to ensure both fidelity to the approved curriculum and ease of parental access to materials. Member Boggess expressed concern that the public had limited ability to preview materials, calling that an oversight; Chair Earl and others noted that parents may request materials at local schools and that districts can make full curricula available.
Vote and context: The board approved the PCAU materials as amended, 13 in favor, 1 opposed (Member Boggess), with one absence. Board members said the curriculum will remain age‑appropriate and districts are responsible for parental notification and access.
What to watch: Districts will schedule assemblies and parent informational sessions; board members asked PCAU and districts to keep timelines and parent notifications consistent so families can review materials beforehand.
Action: Approved curricula 24846–24849 (PCAU child abuse and human trafficking curricula) with an agreed wording amendment for emotional‑harm language (vote: 13–1; member Boggess opposed).
