Addressing Dating Violence for Students in School

Teachers & homeschoolers · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is a good introductory activity to explain dating violence to students?

Age/Grade Fit: Middle school (grades 6-8) Time Needed: 30-40 minutes Materials: Whiteboard or chart paper, markers, printed scenario cards describing different relationship behaviors

Steps:

1. Open with a clear, simple explanation: “Dating violence happens when one person in a relationship tries to control, hurt, or scare the other person instead of treating them with respect.” Use language that is age-appropriate and easy to understand.
2. Prepare cards that describe behaviors in relationships. Each card should feature a brief scenario with one behavior, such as: Healthy: “You and your partner listen to each other's opinions and feelings.” Unhealthy: “Your partner gets upset when you spend time with your friends.” Abusive: “Your partner threatens to hurt you or breaks your things when angry.”
3. Distribute the cards to small groups or read aloud to the class. Ask students to discuss and decide if the behavior is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive.
4. As a group, write the behaviors under the three categories on chart paper or the board.
5. Lead a discussion about why certain behaviors are harmful and how respect, honesty, and trust are important in relationships.
6. Invite students to reflect on how these behaviors might make someone feel, encouraging empathy by asking, “How would you feel if this happened to you or a friend?”

Skill Built: Recognizing differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationship behaviors.

Debrief: Ask, “If you noticed a friend experiencing these unhealthy or abusive behaviors, what could you say or do to help?” Encourage students to identify trusted adults they can talk to.

Adapting for Home: Parents can read the scenarios aloud to their children and ask, “What do you think about this behavior? How would you feel if this happened to you?” Use this to start a calm conversation about healthy boundaries and respect.

For further reading, see Dating Violence for Students: What They Need to Know.

How can students practice communication skills to prevent dating violence?

Age/Grade Fit: High school (grades 9-12) Time Needed: 40-50 minutes Materials: Role-play cards with specific situations, open space for pairs or small groups

Steps:

1. Begin by teaching students what assertive communication is: expressing needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully. For example, say, “I feel uncomfortable when you read my messages without asking.”
2. Give examples of communication styles: passive (avoiding conflict), aggressive (yelling or blaming), and assertive (calmly expressing feelings). Discuss why assertive communication is healthiest.
3. Hand out role-play cards with situations such as: “Your partner wants to see your phone all the time, but you don’t want to share your password.” “You feel pressured to spend every weekend with your partner and want some time to yourself.”
4. In pairs, students practice using assertive “I” statements to express their feelings and set boundaries. Encourage wording like, “I need some time to focus on my homework, so I can’t hang out this weekend.”
5. After each role-play, partners provide feedback on whether the communication was clear and respectful.
6. Discuss challenges students might face when setting boundaries and brainstorm ways to stay calm and firm.

Skill Built: Practicing respectful boundary-setting and refusal skills to maintain healthy relationships.

Debrief: Ask, “How did it feel to say no or set a boundary? What might make it hard in real life, and how can you handle those challenges?” Emphasize that standing up for oneself is positive and necessary.

Adapting for Home: Parents can role-play these situations with their teenagers, modeling calm and clear responses. For example, a parent might say, “If someone pressured you to do something you don’t want, what could you say?” Practicing this helps build confidence.

See more at Teaching Students About Dating Violence.

What is an effective activity to help students recognize warning signs of dating violence?

Age/Grade Fit: Middle and high school (grades 7-12) Time Needed: 45-50 minutes Materials: List of warning signs printed or displayed, sticky notes, chart paper or board, markers

Steps:

1. Present students with a list of warning signs such as: Excessive jealousy or possessiveness Checking phones or social media without permission Isolating a partner from friends or family Frequent mood changes or unpredictability Threats or intimidation
2. Divide students into small groups to discuss which signs seem most serious and why. Encourage them to think about how these signs might affect someone’s safety and feelings.
3. Have students write examples from movies, stories, or personal experience on sticky notes and place them beside the corresponding warning signs on a chart.
4. Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of recognizing early signs and how noticing them can help prevent harm.
5. Stress that anyone who sees these signs in themselves or others should reach out for support.

Skill Built: Identifying early warning signs of dating violence to increase safety awareness.

Debrief: Ask, “If you noticed these signs in your own relationship or a friend’s, what would be your next step? Who can you talk to for help?” Encourage students to remember that help is available and that safety is a priority.

Adapting for Home: Parents can review these signs with their children and talk about examples they’ve seen in TV shows or news stories. Use questions like, “What would you do if you saw someone showing these signs?” to encourage discussion.

See also Examples of Dating Violence to Recognize.

How can a values clarification activity support healthy relationship decisions?

Age/Grade Fit: High school (grades 9-12) Time Needed: 30-40 minutes Materials: Values checklist handout or printable, pens

Steps:

1. Provide a list of relationship values such as: trust, respect, honesty, communication, independence, kindness, support, and fairness.
2. Ask students to rank these values in order of importance to them personally, or select their top three.
3. In pairs or small groups, have students share their choices and explain why they picked those values. For instance, “I chose respect first because I want to feel heard and safe.”
4. Hold a class discussion about how values influence the way people behave in relationships and guide decisions about whom to date or how to treat a partner.
5. Encourage students to reflect on whether their current or past relationships align with their values and what they can do if they don’t.

Skill Built: Increasing self-awareness and decision-making based on personal values.

Debrief: Ask, “How can knowing your values help you decide if a relationship is healthy? What steps could you take if someone doesn’t respect your values?”

Adapting for Home: Parents can use the checklist with their teens and discuss family or cultural values related to relationships. This conversation can clarify expectations and boundaries.

Find more details at What Teens Should Know About Dating Violence.

What is a constructive group project to raise awareness about dating violence?

Age/Grade Fit: Middle and high school (grades 7-12) Time Needed: 1-2 class periods or equivalent time at home Materials: Poster boards or digital presentation tools, markers, art supplies, access to research resources

Steps:

1. Divide students into small groups. Assign each group to create a project that raises awareness about dating violence. Projects can be posters, brochures, or digital slideshows including: Definitions of dating violence Warning signs Where to get help Ways to support friends
2. Provide reliable, age-appropriate information sources or allow students to research online with guidance.
3. Encourage groups to use clear language, compelling visuals, and slogans that convey key messages.
4. Have groups present their projects to classmates or family members, explaining the information and why it is important.
5. Encourage creativity through art, slogans, or short skits to engage viewers.

Skill Built: Collaboration, research, communication, and advocacy skills.

Debrief: After presentations, discuss how sharing awareness can help prevent dating violence and encourage students to think about ways to spread these messages in their communities.

Adapting for Home: Families can work together on a project and share it with friends, neighbors, or community centers to increase awareness.

See more ideas at Domestic Violence Activities for Students to Raise Awareness.

How can journaling support students processing experiences or feelings about dating violence?

Age/Grade Fit: Middle and high school (grades 7-12) Time Needed: 20-30 minutes per session, multiple sessions recommended Materials: Journals or notebooks, pens

Steps:

1. Provide students with writing prompts such as: “What does a healthy relationship look like to you?” “Write about a time you or someone you know felt uncomfortable in a relationship.” “What advice would you give a friend who might be in an unhealthy relationship?”
2. Offer quiet time for private reflection and writing without pressure to share.
3. If students are comfortable, allow them to share parts of their writing in small groups or with a trusted adult to foster understanding and support.
4. Encourage journaling as a regular way to process emotions and clarify thoughts.

Skill Built: Emotional awareness, self-expression, and developing coping strategies.

Debrief: Invite students to reflect on how journaling helps them understand their feelings and choices. Discuss how writing can be a helpful tool when facing difficult emotions.

Adapting for Home: Parents can encourage journaling at home and offer to listen if their child wants to talk about their entries, helping them feel supported.

See Understanding Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Students for more on emotional support.

What is an engaging way to teach students how to get help for dating violence?

Age/Grade Fit: Middle and high school (grades 7-12) Time Needed: 30-40 minutes Materials: List of trusted adults and resources, role-play scenarios, phone or computer for demonstrations

Steps:

1. Present a list of people and organizations students can contact, such as school counselors, trusted teachers, family members, and national helplines (e.g., the National Domestic Violence Hotline).
2. Explain that these adults will listen without judgment and help keep students safe. Emphasize confidentiality and safety.
3. Use role-play where students practice asking for help or supporting a friend who may be in an unhealthy relationship. For example: “Your friend tells you their partner is making them feel scared. What can you say or do?” “You want to talk to a counselor but feel nervous. How could you start that conversation?”
4. Discuss obstacles like fear, embarrassment, or not knowing what to say, and brainstorm ways to overcome them.
5. Encourage students to memorize or save phone numbers and contact details of trusted resources.

Skill Built: Help-seeking behavior, peer support, and resource awareness.

Debrief: Reinforce that seeking help is a strong and positive step. Remind students they do not have to face challenges alone and that support is available 24/7.

Adapting for Home: Parents can review resources with teens, practice conversations about how to ask for help, and ensure their child feels safe reaching out.

More on getting help is at How to Get Help for Dating Violence.

Frequently asked questions

How can teachers create a safe space for students to discuss dating violence?

Teachers should establish clear ground rules about respect, privacy, and listening without judgment. Use anonymous question boxes or small groups to give students a comfortable way to participate. Remind students it's okay to step away if they feel overwhelmed.

What signs might indicate a student is experiencing dating violence?

Watch for changes like withdrawal, mood swings, unexplained injuries, frequent absences, or anxiety when talking about their partner or relationships. These signs may suggest a student needs support or someone to talk to.

How can homeschooling parents teach about dating violence without a peer group?

Use role-play and media examples such as books or TV shows to discuss relationship scenarios. Ask open-ended questions like, “What would you do if…?” This encourages thinking and conversation. Consider joining community groups for social interaction.

When should a teacher or parent refer a student to professional help?

If a student reports ongoing abuse, shows signs of distress or fear, or safety concerns arise, contact school counselors or local support services promptly. Professionals can provide confidential help and safety planning.

How can students support friends who may be in abusive relationships?

Listen carefully and without judgment, help identify trusted adults or resources, and remind them they are not alone. Avoid pressuring them to leave but offer consistent care and support.