In California, there is a new rule. Children cannot get married anymore. The Governor, Gavin Newsom, made sure of this. This rule starts in January. Now, you need to be 18 to get married in California.

This rule is to keep children safe. Some kids were told they had to marry. This isn't good for them. A lady named Courtney Stodden helped change this rule. She married when she was very young and wants to help other kids stay safe.

Original news source: California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states – BBC News (BBC)

1. Discuss what rules we have in school.
2. Talk about why we have rules.
3. Share a time you felt protected by rules.
4. Discuss why some rules might change.
5. Name someone you think is a leader.

In California, there is a new rule. Children cannot get ? anymore. The Governor, Gavin Newsom, ? sure of this. This rule ? in January. Now, you need to be 18 to get married in ?. This rule is to keep children ?. Some kids were told they had to marry. This isn't good for them. A lady named ? Stodden helped ? this rule. She married when she was very young and wants to ? other kids stay safe.

1. Why do you think rules are important?
2. How does a rule keep people safe?
3. Can rules change? Why or why not?
4. What would happen if we had no rules?
5. How would you feel if you had to follow a new rule?
6. Who makes rules in your house?
7. Do you think it is fair for children not to marry? Why?
8. What is something you need to be safe?
9. How do you help friends?
10. Is it good to marry when you are young? Why or why not?
11. Who is the leader in your school?
12. How do you know a rule is fair?

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.