Video summary
A drama raising questions about the pressure, for both girls and boys, to have sex.
Shanice is going out with an older boy named Julian. They like each other. We learn that some of his peers just see her as fodder for their sexting games. Is this why Julian is putting pressure on her for sex?
“He wont give up y’know. He’s got to prove himself to his mates”, says Shanice’s friend Marcus.
Marcus’ wisdom comes from his own separateness. Shanice discovers that he may be attracted to boys, although he won’t talk about it. Their shared pressures create a bond. This raises issues about how he feels and who he can or can’t talk to. Why is it he can give Shanice support?
This episode raises questions about the pressure, for both girls and boys, to have sex. It also shows how ‘sexting’ can increase that pressure, further depersonalize sex, and be frightening for young women particularly.
Shanice is seen as self-possessed, not a victim. But at the same time it isn’t easy for her to make the right decision and she doesn’t feel she can talk to her parents.
This clip is from the series, L8R Youngers 3.
Teacher Notes
In groups, students could discuss the different options available to Shanice at the end of the film and what the consequences of those decisions might be.
They could then create alternative endings for the film to perform to the class.
This film will be relevant for teaching PSHE and Modern Studies at KS3 and KS4 in England and Northern Ireland, PSE at KS3 and KS4 in Wales and 3rd Level and 4th Level in Scotland.
Alcohol abuse and binge drinking. video
Joe's binge drinking causes chaos at an older kid's party and he starts to alienate his close friends.
Coping with financial pressures. video
Julie gets a job after school to help her parents pay the bills.
