A Time To Tell

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A Time To Tell is the name of a youth protection training video produced by the Boy Scouts of America. The video is aimed at boys aged 11-14, and teaches how to avoid child molestation using the three Rs of youth protection: Recognize, Resist, and Report. The video was originally produced in 1989, but has been re-released with more modern scenarios; and is still a major part of the BSA youth protection program. It now stands as part of a series of youth protection videos aimed at each age group in the scouting program.

The story involves a trio of friends walking home from school and all discussing their own encounters with predatory friends, parents, and relatives. The three scenarios presented are as follows:

Scenario I. Gary's stepfather seeks to exploit normal physical affection and emotional loss.

  1) Gary's stepfather gradually moves to become physically closer to him.
        a. He moves from the end of the couch to sit next to Gary.
        b. He places his arm over Gary's shoulder and hugs him.
  2) The stepfather uses Gary's sadness over the loss of his father to build trust level.
  3) The stepfather exploits Gary's natural curiosity about sex to expose him to a pornographic video in order to justify sexual advances.

Scenario II. Jeff is given special attention by David, a longtime friend of the family.

  1) David takes Jeff to a video arcade and treats him to fun. (Note: Is there anything unusual about an adult hanging around with teenagers?)
  2) David pretends that he needs helps so that he can get Jeff alone at his house.
  3) David uses a variety of excuses to break down Jeff's resistance to molestation.
        a. Removing shirts
        b. Drying off with a towel, causing physical contact (Continue discussing the need to recognize strategies and situations used by the child molesters in the video to set the stage for sexual abuse.)
        c. David offers beer to Jeff. (Alcohol and drugs are often used to lower inhibitions.)
        d. David convinces Jeff to take a shower before he goes home. (Room for one more?)

Scenario III. Carlos would like to join a "club" of teenage boys led by Tony, an older teenager who encourages the boys to participate in sex games. (What are you doing? Hey! My underwear!)

  1) Tony uses money to attract club members.
        a. He drives a flashy car.
        b. He pays their admission to concerts and sporting events.
        c. He provides drugs and alcohol.
  2) Drugs and alcohol also serve the purpose of lowering the boys' resistance.
  3) Tony uses peer pressure to involve them in sexual activities.

View A Time To Tell on Google Video.