Respect Basics
What does it mean to show someone respect?
Treating someone like they have value and deserve appropriate treatment.
A peer is answering a question during group. What is one respectful thing you should do?
Let them finish, listen, do not interrupt, and avoid side comments.
A staff member gives you a direction you don't like. What is one respectful way to respond?
Acknowledge the staff member, follow the direction, respond calmly, or ask an appropriate question.
What is one thing you can do before responding when you're angry?
Pause, breathe, think, step away, or ask for time.
Another youth keeps interrupting you during group. What could you do?
Ask them calmly to let you finish or ask staff for help facilitating the discussion.
Name two ways you can show respect while another person is talking.
Listen, do not interrupt, make appropriate eye contact, stay quiet, avoid side comments, and do not mock the speaker.
Why is using another youth's family situation, charges, past mistakes, or personal information against them disrespectful?
It embarrasses them, violates boundaries, creates conflict, and attacks the person rather than addressing behavior.
You think a staff member misunderstood what happened. What could you do instead of yelling or arguing?
Calmly explain your side, ask to speak privately, or ask when you can discuss it.
Pause, breathe, think, step away, or ask for time.
It usually makes the conflict worse because it adds disrespect and gives the other person something else to react to.
Ask them calmly to let you finish or ask staff for help facilitating the discussion.
Examples: “Okay.” “I understand.” “Got it.”
True or False: You have to like or agree with someone in order to respect them. Explain your answer.
False. You can disagree with or dislike someone while still treating them appropriately.
It embarrasses them, violates boundaries, creates conflict, and attacks the person rather than addressing behavior.
Do not join in, encourage them, redirect peers, or let them try again.
True or False: Following a staff direction means you agree with the staff member. Explain.
False. You can follow a direction while still disagreeing and address the disagreement appropriately later.
Someone bumps into you. Your first thought is, “He did that on purpose.” What should you do before reacting?
Check the facts and consider other explanations before deciding what happened.
Two peers are arguing and both want you to take their side. What are two choices you could make that show respect?
Stay neutral, do not encourage the conflict, walk away, encourage them to solve it appropriately, or seek staff help if needed.
Name two ways someone can communicate disrespect without saying anything.
Examples: eye-rolling, laughing, inappropriate gestures, turning away, invading personal space, or mocking facial expressions.
Do not join in, encourage them, redirect peers, or let them try again.
Example: “I see it differently because...” It allows disagreement without escalating the situation.
Staff tells you “no” about something you really wanted. Give an assertive but respectful response. Then explain why your response is assertive instead of aggressive.
Staff tells you “no” about something you really wanted. Give an assertive but respectful response. Then explain why your response is assertive instead of aggressive.
Your thought is: “He disrespected me, so I have to disrespect him back.” Give a healthier thought that could help you make a better decision.
Examples: “I control what I do.” “I do not have to react.” “Staying calm does not make me weak.”
You hear that another youth has been talking negatively about you. Before confronting them, name three things you should think about.
You hear that another youth has been talking negatively about you. Before confronting them, name three things you should think about.
Explain the difference between respect, agreement, and liking someone.
Respect is how you treat someone. Agreement means sharing their opinion. Liking someone is how you personally feel about them.
A peer insults you in front of everyone. Give three different choices you could make that protect your self-respect without escalating the situation. Explain which one you would probably use.
Examples: walk away, calmly address it, ignore it, ask staff for help, use assertive communication, or talk privately later. There is no single correct answer if the response is safe, realistic, and respectful.
You believe a staff decision is unfair. What could you think, say, and do so that you still advocate for yourself without making the situation worse?
Think: “I can disagree without losing control.”
Say: calmly ask for an explanation or conversation.
Do: follow expectations, choose the right time, and use available grievance or review procedures if appropriate.
A youth says, “If I walk away when someone disrespects me, everyone will think I’m weak.” Challenge that thought using evidence and give an alternative way to look at the situation.
Walking away can demonstrate self-control. Fighting or escalating can create consequences. Strength can mean controlling your own choices rather than allowing someone else to control your behavior.
You believe a staff member embarrassed you in front of everyone. Walk us through what you would think, say, and do to handle it respectfully while still standing up for yourself.
Think: challenge assumptions and calm yourself. Say: explain your concern assertively. Do: choose an appropriate time and place, listen to their response, and work toward a solution.