Middle School Students
You are most likely coming to this page out of curiosity or because you have questions. You are in a period of life where so much is changing. You may not feel comfortable talking to your parents or maybe they don't have all the answers for your questions. Find a trusted adult or check out some of the resources below. You are growing and changing as an individual, you are learning more about who you are and who you want to be. Your friendships and relationships are evolving, it's okay to safely explore those changes. Some of these changes may make us uncomfortable or feel strange, it is okay and we all are experiencing changes.
Your body is changing and that is okay.
Your relationships are evolving and it's okay to safely explore .
You're growing up and you're learning about yourself and the world around you. It's okay to have questions.
Your parents may not have all the answers. It's okay to find a trusted adult who does.
Boundaries
Boundaries are all about respect. Boundaries are the limits you set for your friendships, relationships, and family members that make you feel safe and comfortable.
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It's okay to not feel the same way about someone else as they do you.
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Spending time apart from your friends, partners, and family members is okay. You should feel safe telling someone you need space and time alone.
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A friend or partner shouldn't tell you who you can or cannot spend time with or talk to.
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Don't rush if you're not ready.
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You and your partner should be on the same page before getting physical.
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You don't owe anyone anything.
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Only do what makes you feel comfortable, if you only want to hold hands, that is okay.
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Decide what feels healthy and safe for you to post online.
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If someone sends you a photo, you do not have to send one back.
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Passwords are private, you do not have to share your passwords.
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A friend or partner doesn't have to be given access to your phone.
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You decide when and how often you want to text or communicate via text or call.
How can you practice consent?
Ask for permission in everyday interactions.
Ask for permission before you touch someone.
Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
Accept the answer "no".
Ask permission to take videos or photos. Always ask before posting or tagging someone.
Do not show anger or pout when someone says "no".
You never have to show affection to a friend, a partner, or a family member.
It's okay to say no. Someone shouldn't make you feel bad for saying no.
Respect others boundaries and their privacy and/or secrets.
Model that asking consent is an ongoing process.
Consent is about always choosing to respect personal and emotional boundaries. By practicing consent in everyday situations, you show you value the choices of others.
Sexual Violence
Any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts directed against a person's sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim.
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Rape or sexual assault
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Child sexual assault/incest
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Dating sexual assault
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Unwanted sexual contact/touching
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Sexual harassment: to tease, bother, or annoy someone because of their gender or sexuality
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Sexual exploitation
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Showing one's genitals or naked body to others without consent
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Masturbating in public
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Watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission
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Recording or taking photos of someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission.
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Send videos or photos of someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission.
REMEMBER: If you are feeling uncomfortable say something or ask for help.
Flirting
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Is WANTED.
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Feels good; confident feeling.
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Is complimentary.
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Is mutual or shared.
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Is non-threatening.
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Builds esteem of both people.
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Feels equal to both people.
Sexual Harassment
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Is UNWANTED.
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Feels bad; degrading.
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Is one-sided
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Is threatening.
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Builds up the ego of the giver.
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Gives one person power.
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Is demanding and insulting.
VS
Additional Resources
