About

Project POST is a video-based curriculum for middle and high school students designed to help them navigate the digital world safely. The curriculum focuses on internet safety, online exploitation, and human trafficking, and was developed in collaboration with Knox County Schools and the Department of Homeland Security.

Project POST aligns with multiple Tennessee Health Education and Lifetime Wellness standards and includes engaging videos, complete lesson plans, classroom activities, and discussion questions. The video-based curriculum is available at no cost for use by public schools, private schools, and home-school co-ops.

In addition to the classroom curriculum, Project POST offers in-person training for schools in East Tennessee, led by trained facilitators who keep sessions interactive and engaging while sharing up-to-date guidance on current apps, gaming, and online trends.

To request access to the curriculum or learn more about in-person training contact  info@projectpost.org.

Tennessee Curriculum Alignment

Project POST aligns with Tennessee Health Education and Lifetime Wellness standards across middle and high school grade levels.

6th Grade:

  • 6.HGD.R.7 Identify & explain the types of child abuse (physical, emotional, neglect, & sexual abuse, including human trafficking), including abuse that may occur in the home.
  • 6.SP.TS.2 Describe how to report bullying, threatening situations, or inappropriate content related to social media.
  • 6.SP.TS.3 Explain the harmful effects of improper use of media, messages, and images.
  • 6.SP.TS.4 Describe the harmful effects on one’s physical & mental health (eye strain, headaches, neck pain, low self-esteem, withdrawing, etc).
  • 6.SP.TS.5 Identify how media influences mental, emotional, & social health; personal values, attitudes, beliefs, & health behaviors.
  • 6.MESH.CR.2 Describe the importance of setting personal boundaries for privacy, safety, & expression of emotions & opinions.
  • 6.MESH.SH.5 Discuss the importance of getting guidance from a trusted adult when faced with a threatening situation (e.g., bullying, threats).
  • 6.MESH.SH.6 Identify trusted adults who can help with mental, emotional, social health problems.

7th Grade:

  • 7.HGD.R.7 Identify signs & symptoms of child abuse and sexual abuse, including human trafficking & abuse that may occur in the home.
  • 7.SP.TS.2 Research the safe uses of social media & identify possible negative consequences of improper use.
  • 7.SP.TS.3 Describe technology/social media safety & etiquette & how to apply those strategies.
  • 7.SP.TS.4 Identify symptoms of dependency & addiction to technology (video games, phones, social media, etc.) & the impact on oneself & others.
  • 7.SP.TS.5 Evaluate how media influences mental, emotional, & social health; personal values, attitudes, beliefs, & health behaviors.
  • 7.MESH.SH.2 Compare & contrast the characteristics of health & unhealthy relationships.
  • 7.MESH.SH.5 Identify trusted adults to report to if individuals are in danger of hurting themselves or others.
  • 7.MESH.SH.6 Practice asking a trusted adult for help with mental, emotional, social health problems.

8th Grade:

  • 8.R.7 Examine useful strategies for the prevention & reporting of child abuse & sexual abuse, including human trafficking & abuse that may occur in the home.
  • 8.TS.2 Analyze the possible legal consequences of improper social media usage.
  • 8.TS.3 Summarize ways to avoid being a victim or perpetrator of abuse via digital media (including social media, apps, texting, & cell phones).
  • 8.TS.4 Practice skills to reduce one’s technology use or dependency (“un-plug”).
  • 8.TS.5 Explain how technology can influence healthy & unhealthy behaviors.
  • 8.CR.3 Utilize family, school, & community resources to avoid or reduce mental,  emotional, social health risks (e.g., bullying, harassment).
  • 8.SH.5 Analyze situations that may call for acts of caring among friends or require getting help from trusted adults.
  • 8.SH.6 Create a plan to seek help for a mental, emotional, social health problem from a trusted adult for self or others.


High School Lifetime Wellness:

  • HS.FAS.3 Explain how potential risks associated with technology, transportation, and high-risk behavior affect safety.
  • HS.HGD.1 Examine the aspects of positive relationships (e.g., family, dating, friendship, professional, community).
  • HS.HGD.2 Determine the influence of families, media, cultural traditions, and economic factors on human development.
  • HS.MESH.7 Demonstrate appropriate refusal skills (e.g., drugs, relationships, sexual activity).