Unhealthy relationships
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe possible indicators of unhealthy relationships and explain how this can affect wellbeing.
Key learning points
- Unhealthy relationships often leave people feeling anxious, unsafe or emotionally drained.
- Blame-shifting and refusal to take responsibility are common warning signs of unhealthy relationships.
- A lack of respect for boundaries or opinions can signal controlling behaviour.
- Unhealthy relationships can damage self-esteem and isolate someone from others.
- Feeling unable to express yourself or connect with others may be a sign something is wrong.
Keywords
Respect - being considerate of others and the world around you; treating people fairly and how you would like to be treated
Boundary - an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow
Common misconception
Relationships are healthy as long as no one is physically hurting another person.
Relationships can be unhealthy without physical harm: emotional and psychological harm can be very damaging.
Teacher tip
Speak to your RSHE lead or DSL before teaching this lesson. You should also be aware of the procedures for reporting disclosures in your setting.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of a healthy way to handle a disagreement with a friend?
Q2.A is an imaginary line that separates what we will and won't allow in our relationships.
Q3.How might someone feel if they're in a relationship where they can't be themselves or say what they really think?
Q4.Match each behaviour to whether it shows respect or a lack of respect in a relationship.
interrupting someone constantly
ignoring someone's personal space
valuing someone's feelings
listening to their point of view
Q5.Which statement about unhealthy relationships is true?
Q6.Which of these is most likely a sign that someone respects your boundaries?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Being considerate of others and treating them fairly and how you would like to be treated is called ...
Q2.During an argument, Jack said hurtful things to Sophia. When she said he'd upset her, he replied "You're too sensitive - this is your problem, not mine!" This shows a lack of:
Q3.When someone constantly checks their partner's phone, messages or social media without permission, this is an example of:
Q4.True or false? A relationship is only unhealthy if someone is being physically hurt. Emotional harm doesn't count as much.
Q5.Which of these is an example of how unhealthy relationships can affect mental health?
Q6.Unhealthy relationships can someone from others.
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Unhealthy relationships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Unhealthy relationships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Healthy intimate relationships: What influences risky sexual behaviour? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.