Resiliency Education: Civic and Character Education

Florida Statute 1003.42 (2) says students in grades 6–12 must receive at least five hours of lessons each year on civic education, character, and life skills through resiliency education. These lessons follow the state’s health education standards. The law also requires that all students in grades K–12 are taught every year about the dangers of youth substance use, health education, how to prevent child trafficking, and how to stay safe online. In addition, students in grades 6–12 must receive yearly lessons on preventing Teen Dating Violence.

Resilience education

Resiliency Education

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) wants to help students become strong, confident, and ready for success. To follow state rules, all students in grades 6–12 must get at least five hours of lessons each year to build life skills and character. These lessons are called resiliency education and grow with students each year.

Students learn how to deal with tough times, help their communities through volunteering, and develop important traits like empathy, honesty, responsibility, and gratitude. They also practice problem-solving, making good decisions, and understanding their own feelings.

Students learn how to support others, notice signs of mental health struggles, and reduce the stigma around mental health. They also learn how to prevent suicide and stay away from drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. Lessons include where to get help in school or the community.

All students in grades K–12 also receive yearly lessons on substance abuse, child trafficking prevention, and online safety.

More information on the FL DOE health education related requirements related to the State Board of Education state statute Rules can be found on the FL DOE and Comprehensive Education Mandates webpages. You can also visit the BCPS Mental Health webpage or go to the Florida Department of Education's webpage to view the BCPS 2025-26 Required Implementation Plan .

Human trafficking

Human Trafficking Education Mandates from the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education mandates Child Trafficking Prevention Education in grades K-12. More information can be found in the FL DOE Comprehensive Education Mandates webpage.

This rule requires school districts to annually provide instruction to students related to Child Trafficking Education, and institutes procedures for school districts to document planning and delivery of instruction. The Child Trafficking Education should advance each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building using the adopted health education standards.

For specific information from FL DOE about the education described in the rule; resources on abuse, including sexual abuse, and human trafficking prevention for professional learning purposes; and materials for parents, guardians, and other caretakers of students, access the following link:
Florida Department of Education Human Trafficking

All FL DOE health education related requirements and the Mental and Emotional Health Education memo can be found on the FL DOE website. As part of the requirements, BCPS also provides annual instruction to students:

In grades 6-12, the Resiliency Education: Civic and Character Education and Life Skills Education (Canvas Course) meets the requirements of the State Board of Education, statute Rule 6A-1.094121, Mental and Emotional Health Education
In grades K-12, the BCPS Resilience Education in Canvas meets the requirements of the State Board of Education statute Rule 6A-1.094123
In grades K-12, the BCPS Resilience Education in Canvas and Child Trafficking Education Toolkit (non Canvas) meets the requirements of the State Board of Education statue Rule 6A-1.094123 (Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(2)(n), 1003.42(2) F.S. Law Implemented 1003.42 F.S.)

BCPS Posters

The Child Trafficking Free Zone poster
The Human Trafficking Can Happen to Anyone poster
The Human Trafficking School Safety Protocols poster in four languages
BCPS Anonymous Reporting poster: Poster - English, Poster - Creole, Poster - Spanish, Poster - Portuguese

BCPS child/human trafficking prevention implementation plan

BCPS works to ensure that every school in Broward is a “Child Trafficking Free Zone.” The 2024-25 BCPS Curriculum Guide ensures all BCPS students in grades K-12 receive child trafficking prevention education that meets the requirements of the State Board of Education state statute Rule 6A-1.094123 Child Trafficking Prevention Education (Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(2)(n), 1003.42(2) F.S. Law Implemented 1003.42 F.S.) As can be seen in the BCPS Child Trafficking Prevention Education Toolkit, the lessons advance each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building.

Online Safety

Online Safety Prevention Education Mandates from the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education mandates Online Safety for grades 6-12. Additional information can be found in the State Board of Education Rule Memo and on the FL DOE Comprehensive Education Mandates webpage. This rule requires school districts to provide annual instruction on Online Safety Prevention Education. It also mandates procedures for documenting the planning and delivery of this instruction. The curriculum should advance each year with developmentally appropriate instruction and skill-building based on the adopted health education standards. All Resiliency Education: Civic and Character Education and Life Skills Education are available on the FL DOE website as well as additional resources on the Effects of Social Media webpage.

In compliance with these requirements, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) provides annual instruction to students. For grades K-12, the RethinkED curriculum on Online Safety Prevention Education available in Canvas meets the State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.094123. Additionally, for grades K-5, the Lauren’s Kids: Safer, Smarter Kids! curriculum in Canvas also satisfies the requirements of Rule 6A-1.094123 (Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(2)(n), 1003.42(2) F.S. Law Implemented 1003.42 F.S.).

Substance use and abuse

Substance Use & Abuse Education Mandates from the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education requires Substance Use & Abuse Education for students in grades K-12. More details can be found in the State Board of Education Rule Memo and on the FL DOE Comprehensive Education Mandates webpage. This rule obligates school districts to provide annual instruction on Substance Use & Abuse Education, with procedures to document the planning and delivery of this instruction. The curriculum should progressively advance each year, incorporating developmentally appropriate instruction and skill-building based on the adopted health education standards. All FL DOE health education requirements and the Mental and Emotional Health Education memo are accessible on the FL DOE website.

In alignment with these requirements, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) offers annual instruction to students. For grades K-12, the BCPS: Resiliency Education Substance Use and Abuse Health Education in Canvas fulfills the State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.094123.

Teen Dating Violence Prevention

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Health Education Mandates from the Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education mandates Teen Dating Violence Prevention in grades 6-12. More information can be found in the State Board of Education Rule Memo and the FL DOE Comprehensive Education Mandates webpage.

This rule requires school districts to annually provide instruction to students related to Teen Dating Violence Prevention Health Education, and institutes procedures for school districts to document planning and delivery of instruction. The Teen Dating Violence Prevention Health Education should advance each year through developmentally appropriate instruction and skill building using the adopted health education standards.

All FL DOE health education related requirements and the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Health Education memo can be found on the FL DOE website. As part of the requirements, BCPS also provides annual instruction to students:

In grades 6-8, the annual Teen Dating Violence Prevention Policy 5010 Training meets the requirements of the State Board of Education, statute Rules.
In grades 912, the annual Teen Dating Violence Prevention Policy 5010 Training meets the requirements of the State Board of Education statute Rules.

Character education

BCPS Character Education

BCPS Character Education

Each monthly Character Education Curriculum and Family Newsletter (in Canvas) includes lessons, videos, and activities that focus on Broward’s eight-character traits. These traits help students learn how to behave in positive ways and help make schools safer and more respectful places to learn.

Character Education Cooperation Definition

The character trait for September is Cooperation. Cooperation means working together with others to reach a shared goal. When we cooperate, we listen, share ideas, and help each other succeed.

Character Trait: Responsibility Definition

The character trait for October is Responsibility. Responsibility means doing what you are expected to do and being someone others can count on. It includes being reliable, making good choices, and taking ownership of your actions.

Character Education, Citizenship Definition

The character trait for November is Citizenship. Citizenship means respecting and following rules and laws, showing pride in your community and country, and honoring those who serve and protect others. It’s about being a responsible member of your school, neighborhood, and nation.

The character trait for December is Kindness. Kindness means being helpful, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and considerate.

The character trait for January is Respect. Respect is showing consideration, understanding, and regard for people, places and things.

The character trait for February is Honesty. Honesty is being truthful, trustworthy and sincere.

Character Education Self-Control Definition

The character trait for March is Self-Control. Self-Control is having discipline over one’s behavior and actions.

Character Education Tolerance Definition

The character trait for April is Tolerance. Tolerance is recognizing and respecting differences, values, and beliefs of other people.

Family resources

Lauren’s Kids is a nonprofit organization founded by Florida State Senator Lauren Book, a survivor of child sexual abuse. The organization works to prevent abuse and help survivors heal. It offers the “Safer, Smarter Schools” curriculum for students in grades K–12, teaching personal safety and prevention. Their mission is simple: protect children, educate communities, and support survivors.

LaurensKids

Rethink Education aims to equip students with essential resilience skills to navigate life’s challenges. Through engaging lessons, the program fosters emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, and positive decision-making, empowering students to build confidence, manage stress, and thrive academically and personally in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Rethink-Elementary, Middle and High.