Active learning ideas
Boundaries and consent are fundamental concepts for personal safety and respectful interaction. In the 1st year SPHE curriculum, this topic is introduced in a broad, age-appropriate way that applies to all relationships, friends, family, and online. It focuses on the right to personal space, the importance of asking permission, and the power of saying 'no.'
Activity 01
Using string or hoops, students visualize their 'personal space bubble' in different contexts (e.g., with a best friend vs. a stranger). They discuss how it feels when someone enters that bubble without asking.
What are personal boundaries and why do we need them?
Activity 02
Students act out non-sexual scenarios where consent is needed, such as borrowing a pen, posting a photo of a friend, or giving a hug. They practice both asking clearly and responding respectfully to a 'no.'
How do we give and ask for consent in everyday situations?
Activity 03
Students discuss scenarios like being added to a group chat without permission. They brainstorm 'digital boundaries' they want to set for themselves and how to communicate those to their peers.
How can we respect the boundaries of others?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Consent is only about romantic or sexual situations.
Students often have a narrow view of consent. By practicing with everyday items like phones or hoodies, they learn that consent is a universal principle of respect that applies to everything.
If I said 'yes' once, I have to keep saying 'yes.'
The concept of withdrawing consent can be tricky. Role plays help students understand that they have the right to change their mind at any time, and others must respect that shift.
Methods used in this brief
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