Valuing Yourself

Peer pressure

Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something that you aren’t comfortable with. Respect the decisions that others make and don’t try to talk them into something they don’t want to do.

Controlling

Sometimes friends or partners will try to control you through manipulation or emotional games. If you think about how you will handle these situations before they occur, you won’t be caught off-guard. Remember, respect yourself and the other person.

Online relationships

Social media sometimes feels like it has its own set of rules. Is it OK to post embarrassing pictures of your friends? Can they post them of you? What about your relationship status? Should it be kept private, or can you share every detail?

Sharing devices

Are you OK with friends or partners using your phone? Accounts? Knowing your passwords? Copying your photos, contacts, or music files? Know what you are comfortable with so that you can communicate it to others. Be sure that you know how others feel, as well, so that you don’t cross their boundaries.

Getting physical

You choose what you are or are not ready for. Even something like a hug may be too much for you or for someone else. That’s OK. Know what you are comfortable with. Communicate what you are comfortable with. Respect what others are comfortable with.

Consent

If you are 17 or younger, you cannot legally give or get consent for any kind of sexual activity.
If you are 18 or older, you live in the adult world of consent. Think of your most valuable possession. If someone wants to take it from you, they must have your permission – that’s consent. You have the right to give consent, and you have the obligation to get consent, for any kind of physical activity that takes place, including hugging, kissing, sitting on a person’s lap, or any kind of sexual activity. “No” means “no”. Silence means “no”. “Yes” means “yes”. If you’re not sure whether or not a partner or friend is OK with physical contact, ASK.

Abstinence

There are many reasons for students to make a choice to abstain from sex, drugs, alcohol, or other activities. If you know others who have made this choice, respect their decision. Support it. Even if you don’t agree, don’t give them a hard time about it. People have the right to make their own choices.