Program for teachers
Thank you for showing interest in YOU CAN SIT WITH ME.
We have put together a list of recommendations and guidelines to assist you; however, we appreciate that you will run the program in a way that suits your school, sports facility or community initiative.
We feel that not every child should have a wristband – this could cause a “fad” and the purpose may become lost. We’ve learnt from other schools that a successful method for K–6 is for each class to have five wristbands. These are distributed at the beginning of the week, with the understanding that children may not want to wear them every day.
We recommend giving wristbands to children in leadership roles, peer support, class captains or vice captains. Kind and compassionate children should also be considered to be YOU CAN SIT WITH ME ambassadors. Additionally, children who are working to change behaviour or have earned the opportunity should be supported to participate.
(Aligned with: HPE – ACPPS019, ACPPS034, ACPPS037: Describe strategies to make and maintain respectful relationships and examine how respect, empathy and inclusion contribute to wellbeing.)
Wristband Commitment Guidelines
Children need to understand that wearing the YOU CAN SIT WITH ME wristband is a commitment for the day. They are not to remove it during the school day or the time they’ve agreed to wear it.
Ask students to reflect on the following before wearing the wristband:
- Am I having a good day today, and do I feel strong enough to help others?
- Am I happy for anyone of any age, race, religion, gender or disability to sit with me today?
- Am I too busy today to help other people because I have activities during recess and lunch?
(Aligned with: Personal and Social Capability – Levels 1–3: Recognise emotions, demonstrate empathy, and reflect on their responsibility in social situations.)
How to implement the YOU CAN SIT WITH ME Program
- Host a staff information session.
Highlight the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all students. Make sure everyone understands the purpose and goals of the program.
(Aligned with: HPE – ACPPS018, ACPPS020: Identify and practise strategies to promote inclusion, safety and fairness in groups.) - Form a YOU CAN SIT WITH ME committee.
Include the school’s wellbeing leader to help guide the planning and implementation of the program. - Develop a tailored implementation plan.
Launch the program at the beginning of a term or alongside relevant school events like Harmony Week or YOU CAN SIT WITH ME Day. Plan who will monitor and evaluate the program’s success.
(Aligned with: Civics and Citizenship – ACHASSK072: Explore how people participate in their community and how shared values foster belonging.) - Inform the school community.
Share information with students, staff and parents. Materials are freely available, including videos and printable content.
(Aligned with: HPE – ACPPS038: Investigate community initiatives and take action to promote wellbeing.) - Launch and monitor the program.
Watch how the simple act of wearing a yellow wristband with a life-changing message impacts school culture and inclusion.
(Aligned with: Ethical Understanding – Recognise ethical concepts; explore the consequences of actions in social settings.)
How do I buy the Wristbands?
You can order individual or bulk wristbands via:
www.youcansitwithme.org/shop
How do we communicate the campaign to students and parents?
We recommend:
- Announcements at assemblies by the Principal or Club Manager
- Reinforcement by classroom teachers, coaches, and wellbeing teams
- Sharing guidelines via email or newsletter, or adapting for your school letterhead
- Displaying free posters and resources around key locations in the school
(Aligned with: HPE – ACPPS033: Discuss and interpret health messages and how they influence health decisions and behaviours.)
Educating parents ensures everyone in the community supports the same core values of kindness, inclusion and support.
Can I purchase the Wristbands for Fundraising?
No, wristbands are not for fundraising. However, water bottles, pencils and bag tags are available for fundraisers. This is to prevent the message from becoming a passing trend, and to maintain its integrity.
How do I get in touch?
Email: sophie@youcansitwithme.net.au
Or use the Contact Us form on the website.
We welcome your feedback and experiences! Please share what worked and what didn’t. We update this program based on insights from schools like yours.
Our Goal
To embed YOU CAN SIT WITH ME into every school in Australia by the end of 2025. Together, we are supporting Australian children and building more inclusive, compassionate communities.
YOU CAN SIT WITH ME – Together we can and we are changing lives.
(Aligned with: General Capabilities – Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, and Civics and Citizenship – Supporting a cohesive and respectful society.)