A programme to prevent sexual violence among teenagers could build boys' awareness of "what abuse is and what no means", a Tauranga counsellor says.
ACC's new pilot 'Mates & Dates' will teach secondary school children healthy relationship skills, as part of a three-year programme aimed at preventing sexual and dating violence.
Its release was hastened following the West Auckland Roastbusters scandal, which involved a group of teenage boys boasting online about having group sex with drunk, underage girls.
Nine secondary schools and 2000 students will take part in the programme, which begins in term 3.
Bay of Plenty Therapy Foundation counsellor Janice Giles said there was a need for more prevention and safety programmes for young people, as well as teaching about the dangers of alcohol.