- Bridlewood Academy is committed to the safety and well-being of every student. In keeping with that commitment — and in compliance with South Carolina law — this notice informs our students, families, staff, and community about Erin’s Law and our age-appropriate instruction in sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention.
What Is Erin’s Law?
Erin’s Law (Act 293 of 2014) is South Carolina legislation enacted as part of the Comprehensive Health Education Act (Title 59, Chapter 32 of the South Carolina Code of Laws). It amended Sections 59-32-20(B) and 59-32-30(G) to require that South Carolina public schools provide annual, age-appropriate instruction in sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention to all students from four-year-old kindergarten (where offered) through twelfth grade.
The law is named for Erin Merryn, a childhood sexual abuse survivor and advocate whose national campaign led to “Erin’s Law” being adopted in South Carolina and many other states.
The purpose of Erin’s Law is to give students age-appropriate skills to recognize unsafe situations, stay safe from sexual abuse and assault, and know how to report any incident to a trusted adult.
Bridlewood Academy’s Policy and Commitment
To meet this requirement, Bridlewood Academy will:
- Provide annual, age-appropriate instruction in sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention to students in the grades it serves [5K through 6th grade], delivered during the academic year.
- Use instructional units selected or developed by the SCDE, aligned with the South Carolina Academic Standards for Health and Safety Education.
- Notify parents and guardians of this instruction and provide the opportunity to review the instructional materials in advance.
- Maintain trusted adults and confidential reporting channels so that students can safely report any incident of abuse or assault.
For Parents and Guardians
- You are notified that this instruction will take place during the school year as part of the school’s health and safety education.
- You may review the instructional materials by contacting the school office or school counselor.
- We encourage you to talk with your child about personal safety in coordination with the curriculum, and to reach out with any questions.
How to Report Abuse
If a student is being harmed or feels unsafe:
- Tell a trusted adult — a parent, guardian, teacher, or School Counselor Olivia Wadford.
- Contact law enforcement by calling 911 in an emergency, or your local police department or the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
- Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD) — available 24/7, free and confidential.
- For online exploitation, report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678.
Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out to School Counselor Olivia Wadford, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 — free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Learn More
For the South Carolina Department of Education’s official Erin’s Law information and instructional resources, visit ed.sc.gov.
Questions may be directed to:
Principal Michael Manning
1543 Malvern Hill Drive
Camden, SC 29020
803.572.4150
mmanning@bridlewoodacademy.net
Bridlewood Academy provides this instruction in accordance with Erin’s Law (Act 293 of 2014) and South Carolina Department of Education guidance.
