Physical
You and the person sitting next to you in Math class both get A's on a Math test. He wants to give you a high five! Is this okay?
Yes!
You see some kids commenting mean things on your classmates instagram picture. What should you do?
- Tell them to stop
- Report the comments
You're feeling very upset about something personal and you really want to talk about it. Name one person, besides your parents. Why?
- Close Friend
- Social Worker
- Sibling
- Grandparents / Aunt or Uncle
There is new student in your class. You do not know him at all, but you decide to introduce yourself and ask him questions about himself. Is this okay?
Yes! It is friendly and inclusive to ask general questions when meeting someone new.
Is it okay to facetime someone who is in the "Close friendship" level of your friendship pyramid?
- Yes! At this level it is appropriate to talk via facetime.
When is it okay to give a hug?
When you have permission.
If you already know the person and know that they are okay with hugs (family, close friends)
You see that someone is posting pictures of a classmate without their permission on their story. You decide to do the same thing. Is this an appropriate Social Media boundary?
- NO! You need to ask permission before posting other people's photos on the internet.
Your friend tells you that they are upset about their score on MAP testing. You respond by saying, "it's no big deal, get over it." Is this an appropriate emotional boundary? Why/Why not?
No!
This may make your friend feel like you don't care about their emotions.
Name one thing that is appropriate to talk about with an acquaintance who is your new Science lab partner.
- Science class, Edgewood, homework, teachers, favorite tv shows/movies.
Everytime you hang out with your best friend, they decide what you are going to do. Is this an appropriate boundary in friendship?
- No! An appropriate boundary would be to switch off deciding what you are going to do. If one person always decides, it is not very fair.
You have class with your best friend. You always want to sit next to your friend. You decide to sit so close so that you can whisper during the class period. Is this okay?
No! We need to provide enough personal space for everyone. This might look like: Three feet apart or arms length apart.
You meet a new friend at school. You went home and found their TikTok. You decide to comment on every one of their Videos. Is this a good Social Media boundary?
- NO! It may make this person feel uncomfortable, since you just met.
At the lunch table, a friend notices that you are acting different than usual. You told them that you don't want to talk about it right now. They say, "Okay, I understand. Let me know if you do decide to talk about it." Is this an appropriate emotional boundary?
Yes!
This is respectful of your space and emotions, while also letting you know that they are here for you.
You see two of your possible friendships having conversation at Recess. You walk up and ask if you can join in. Is this an acceptable conversational boundary?
- Yes! It is appropriate to ASK FIRST!
You are in the acquaintance phase of friendship. You ask that person to be your partner during a Social Studies project. Later that day, you refer to this person as your best friend. Is this an appropriate friendship boundary?
No! The best friend level of friendship is at the top of the pyramid. An acquaintance is just someone you know, and not very well.
You're at recess and there is a group of four girls sitting in a circle. You walk up and jump in the middle of the circle. Is this okay?
No!
- Your going into personal space.
- You would need to ask first if you could sit in the circle with them.
You noticed that your friend posted a sad quote on Instagram. You decide to call them on the phone to ask if everything is okay. Is this an appropriate Social Media boundary?
Yes! It's great to check up on your friends if you feel that they are upset.
You know some personal information about your parents medication that they take. You really want to talk about it. You meet a new friend at school and want to talk about it with them. Is this okay to share? Why/why not?
No! This is considered personal information. It may make your new friend feel uncomfortable.
You are sitting next to an acquaintance in ELA class. You ask them what they are doing this weekend to be nice. Is this an appropriate conversational boundary?
- Yes! Small talk is an appropriate conversational topic with acquaintances.
Your best friend is now in the possible friendship level with someone you do not like. You tell your friend that she is not allowed to be friends with that person anymore. Is this an appropriate friendship boundary?
- NO! No matter where you are with someone on the friendship pyramid, it is not okay to tell them who they can and can't be friends with.
You are at a friends house and you need to use the bathroom. When you are at home you usually leave the door open. Can you leave the door open here? Why/Why not?
This is not an appropriate boundary to set. Some things are accepted within your own home, but not accepted at other people's homes. You need to respect their boundaries while also protecting your privacy.
You're scrolling on Instagram and you noticed that you have a new message. When you go to open up the message you don't recognize the name or picture. What is a healthy boundary to set in this situation?
- Show your parents
- Delete the message / Block the user
- Make sure your account is on private
You are at recess and you see your friend hanging out with someone you don't like. You become very angry. You yell and scream at both people. Is this an appropriate emotional boundary?
No!
It is okay to feel upset about this, however, it is something you should discuss privately with your friend and/or Social Worker.
Name one thing that is not appropriate to talk about in class, but is appropriate to talk about at recess or on the bus.
- Plans after school, things you do for fun, sports, etc.
Is it an appropriate boundary in friendships to say you uncomfortable having conversations that feel personal to you?
- Yes! No matter what level of friendship you are at, it is always okay to say what you are and are not comfortable with.