Healthy Relationships Online and Offline
A lesson for older students exploring what healthy relationships look like, recognising control and coercion, and understanding consent in digital contexts.
Overview
This lesson helps older students examine the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, with a particular focus on how digital communication can amplify controlling behaviour. Through scenario analysis and guided discussion, students develop the confidence to set boundaries and recognise red flags in both online and offline relationships.
Learning Objectives
- •Identify the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships
- •Recognise coercive and controlling behaviour in digital contexts
- •Understand consent as an ongoing, active process
- •Know where to get help if they or a friend are in an unhealthy relationship
Activities
Healthy vs unhealthy spectrum
10 minutesStudents are read a series of relationship scenarios and physically move to different sides of the room to indicate whether they think the behaviour is healthy, unhealthy, or somewhere in between. Discuss the grey areas.
Digital control scenarios
15 minutesIn small groups, students analyse anonymised text message conversations that show escalating controlling behaviour (demanding passwords, tracking location, guilt-tripping for not replying). Groups identify the red flags and discuss at what point the behaviour becomes abusive.
Consent in the digital age
15 minutesFacilitated discussion exploring consent beyond the physical — including consent to share images, consent to be tagged, consent to share private conversations. Use relatable scenarios to show that consent must be ongoing, specific, and freely given.
Support mapping and reflection
15 minutesStudents create a private support map showing who they would turn to in different scenarios. Provide printed cards with helpline details including Childline, The Mix, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Discussion Points
- •Is it ever acceptable to ask for your partner's phone password?
- •How can you tell the difference between someone caring about you and someone controlling you?
- •Why might someone stay in a relationship that is making them unhappy?
- •What does consent look like in everyday digital interactions?
Key Takeaways
- •Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and the freedom to be yourself
- •Controlling behaviour online — such as monitoring messages or demanding passwords — is a red flag
- •If a relationship makes you feel anxious, controlled, or afraid, help is available
This content is designed to support professionals in their safeguarding role. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policies or training requirements.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29