Healthy Relationships What influences our attitudes and behaviors about sexuality, gender roles, and relationships? List at least 5 influences and circle the one you feel has the greatest impact on sexual attitudes and behaviors. What is your definition of a healthy relationship?

Ground Rules for Discussion: It is acceptable to feel uncomfortable when discussing these issues. It is inappropriate to laugh or be silly in this type of discussion Classroom discussions will not include what has happened or almost happened to a student or someone you know. When a student has something personal to share, this should be done in a private setting with a teacher, counselor, or administrator Participants agree to: hear and respect all questions respect differences by not making judgements about other people observe the 5 second rule be respectful of the privacy for themselves and others that everyone has the right to his/her opinions and feelings.

Influences... There are many influences on our attitudes and behaviors that affect our health, relationships, and sexuality. How we define and feel about ourselves comes from many of these sources as well. One of the greatest influences on our attitudes and behaviors is the media.

Media Influence Media: any form of communication that reaches or influences people widely What are some media outlets? According to the Media Education Foundation, the average American will view over 40,000 commercials a year just on TV. Advertisers invest over $2 Billion each year to target youth consumers. Think of some commercials you have seen recently. What do you remember about the commercial and why? Why do you think advertisers spend so much money on ads and marketing to youth?

Stereotypes and Gender Stereotypes... Define Stereotype: A stereotype is an oversimplified opinion An assumption about a person based on their appearance, religion, culture, economic status, race, gender, etc. that is used to place that person in a category or is used to enable prejudices or biases. Make a T-Chart: Female Stereotypes/Truth & Male Stereotypes/Truth List 6 stereotypes and truths for both male and females How does gender stereotyping contribute to sexual harassment, abuse, and violence?

Male Stereotypes Female Stereotypes

Boundaries… What is a boundary? A boundary is something that sets a border or limit. There are many types of boundaries. They can be used to define physical or emotional space, distance, or closeness between you and another person. What are some types of boundaries? What happens when these types of boundaries are broken?

Comfort Zone People have boundaries to protect the things that are most important to them and to protect themselves. Our boundaries help define our “Comfort Zone.” You can make your own imaginary boundaries to help you think about what things are important to you in a relationship. Then you can decide who you allow to come close to you. You decide how you want to be treated You decide who and how you let others into your space You decide when and how often you see someone Allowing a person to come inside your boundary means you trust that person to respect the things that are important to you You may set different boundaries for different people Your boundaries may change over time.

Self Check: answer the following on a sheet of paper How close do you let others come to you? How is this different for friends and strangers? How is this different if the person approaching is of the same or opposite gender? Which situations can make it difficult to ask for what you want to or to say “no” to what you don’t want? What are some advantages of speaking up?

Activity: Drawing Boundaries Create a drawing of what your personal boundaries would look like if you could actually see them. Think about what your boundaries are made of (ie. paper, brick, concrete, fences, force fields, bubbles, words, signs, magic, etc.) How can you best represent your boundaries with colors, lines, symbols, and shapes? Your boundaries can be anything and can take any shape or form you would like While you are drawing your boundaries, think about who you let into your boundaries and who you keep out. You can write names, things qualities, that are important to you inside your boundaries. On the outside of your boundaries, write the things you want to keep out of your comfort zone, or the things you are protecting yourself from.

Refusal Skills: Saying NO! Give a Reason Give a Consequence Change the Subject Give an Alternative Using Strength in Numbers Self-Statement Reverse the Pressure Delay

Activity- Refusal Skills and Pressure Lines Use the handout provided… Write a refusal statement for the scenario using each one of the refusal skill techniques discussed. Practice Refusal Skills with Pressure Lines Activity.