New
New
Year 6

Why saying 'no' is important

I can describe ways to say 'no' respectfully and explain when I might need support from trusted adults.

New
New
Year 6

Why saying 'no' is important

I can describe ways to say 'no' respectfully and explain when I might need support from trusted adults.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Sometimes we want different things to our friends and the people around us.
  2. Sometimes we have to say 'no' to people.
  3. It can be hard to say 'no' but good friends should respect if and when we do.
  4. Sometimes we need support to say 'no'.
  5. If we don't get the help we need from a trusted adult, we should keep asking or find another trusted adult.

Keywords

  • Different - not the same as something else

  • Uncomfortable - feeling anxious, worried or unable to relax

  • Respect - treating others kindly and valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries; for example, listening carefully and being polite, even if you disagree

  • Consent - permission to do something

Common misconception

People don't always know what they want, so it's ok to do things anyway when they say 'no'.

Even if we disagree with someone, we must listen and respect their wishes, particularly around physical touch, sharing photos and sharing private information.


To help you plan your year 6 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Why saying 'no' is important, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You might want to speak to your RSHE lead or DSL before teaching the lesson. You might also adapt the lesson to include relevant examples of your setting's behaviour policy.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their definitions.

Correct Answer:personal power,the strength to know ourselves and make decisions about our actions

the strength to know ourselves and make decisions about our actions

Correct Answer:self-respect,being proud of ourselves and valuing who we are

being proud of ourselves and valuing who we are

Correct Answer:peer pressure,when someone tries to persuade or force someone else to do something

when someone tries to persuade or force someone else to do something

Correct Answer:trusted adult,someone we know offline who makes us feel safe and can help us

someone we know offline who makes us feel safe and can help us

Q2.
Which situations are risky?

Correct answer: accepting a friend request from an online stranger
talking to a friend at school
Correct answer: playing an online game for adults
using a child-friendly search engine

Q3.
An bystander is someone who sees something bad happening and takes positive action.

Correct Answer: active

Q4.
Match each sentence starter with how it should end.

Correct Answer:If we feel unsafe...,we should tell an adult we trust.

we should tell an adult we trust.

Correct Answer:We need to balance our needs...,and the needs of others.

and the needs of others.

Correct Answer:Adults should be there...,to keep us safe.

to keep us safe.

Correct Answer:Healthy friendships...,feel equal and respectful.

feel equal and respectful.

Q5.
What can we use to decide what the right thing to do is?

Correct answer: our instinct
what other people do
Correct answer: our brains
what will make us popular

Q6.
Which is an unsafe rule?

Correct answer: Always do what an adult tells you to, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
Do what an adult tells you to do, if it will keep you safe and comfortable.
Always use kind touch.
Respect each other's boundaries.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words with their definition.

Correct Answer:different,not the same as something else

not the same as something else

Correct Answer:uncomfortable,feeling anxious, worried or unable to relax

feeling anxious, worried or unable to relax

Correct Answer:respect,treating others kindly, valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries

treating others kindly, valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries

Q2.
We should always ask for before touching someone, sharing their photo or their personal information.

Correct Answer: consent, permission

Q3.
Which statements are true?

It's ok to do something to anyone, even if they say 'no'.
Correct answer: Sometimes we want different things to our friends and the people around us.
We always have to say 'yes' to our friends and family.
Correct answer: Even if we disagree with someone, we must listen and respect their wishes.

Q4.
What can we do if we want to say 'no'?

Correct answer: Be firm and respectful.
Shout at someone.
Correct answer: Get support from a trusted adult.
Say 'yes' if our friend wants us to.

Q5.
Which of the following say 'no' respectfully, but firmly?

"No way, I can't believe you'd ask me to do that!"
Correct answer: "No thanks, I'd rather do something else."
"Hmm... maybe... I'm not sure."
Correct answer: "No, I'm good. Why don't we do this instead?"

Q6.
What should we do if we ask a trusted adult for help and they don't listen?

Don't bring it up again.
Correct answer: Ask them for help again.
Correct answer: Find another trusted adult and ask for help.
Tell a younger sibling.