Script for Healthy Boundaries

Introduction & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we're diving into a really important topic that affects all of us: 'Healthy Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy and Relationships.'

Have you ever felt like someone was asking too much of you, or you just needed some space, but weren't sure how to express it without causing a problem? That's what we're going to explore today."

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 2: Quick Reflection)

(Teacher says): "Let's start with a quick, silent reflection. I want you to think about a time you felt uncomfortable, disrespected, or overwhelmed, but didn't know how to express it. It could be with a friend, a family member, or even a teacher. Just keep it in your mind. Don't worry, you won't have to share this aloud unless you choose to later."

• Pause for 1-2 minutes for students to reflect.

(Teacher says): "Now, without sharing specifics, how did that situation make you feel? Maybe frustrated, anxious, or perhaps even angry? The feeling of having our personal space, time, or emotions disregarded can be really challenging. Today, we're going to learn how to identify those feelings and, more importantly, how to take action to protect ourselves."

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 3: Defining Personal Boundaries)

(Teacher says): "So, what exactly are these 'healthy boundaries' we're talking about? Think of them as invisible lines you draw around yourself. They're like rules or limits you set in your relationships and interactions with others. They define what you are comfortable with and what you are not, and how you expect others to treat you."

"Why do we need them? Well, they're essential for protecting your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Imagine your personal space as a house. You decide who comes in, when they come in, and what they do while they're there. Boundaries are essentially the 'rules of your house.'"

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 4: Why Are Boundaries Important?)

(Teacher says): "Setting boundaries isn't about being mean or isolating yourself. In fact, it's quite the opposite! When you set healthy boundaries, you're practicing self-respect. You're telling yourself, and others, that your feelings, your time, and your energy matter."

"This leads to reduced stress, because you're not constantly doing things you don't want to do. It also fosters clear communication, helping others understand what's okay and what's not. Ultimately, this builds healthier relationships based on mutual respect and understanding."

• Ask students: "Can anyone think of a simple example of a boundary they might have, even if they didn't call it a 'boundary' before?" (e.g., not wanting someone to look through their phone, needing quiet time to study, not wanting to share certain personal information).

Understanding Boundaries (15 minutes)

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 5: Types of Boundaries)

(Teacher says): "Boundaries aren't just about physical space. They come in many forms. Let's look at a few common types:"

• Physical Boundaries: "This is about your personal space and physical touch. For example, not liking unsolicited hugs or needing personal space in a crowded hallway."

• Emotional Boundaries: "This relates to how much emotional support you can offer, or how much emotional information you share. For instance, it's okay to say you can't be someone's therapist if they're constantly dumping heavy problems on you."

• Time Boundaries: "This is about managing your schedule and commitments. Saying 'no' to an invitation because you need time for homework or rest is a time boundary."

• Material Boundaries: "These involve your possessions and money. Setting rules about lending your phone, clothes, or money falls into this category."

• Intellectual Boundaries: "This is about respecting your thoughts and opinions. It means not tolerating being constantly interrupted or dismissed when you're speaking."

• Digital Boundaries: "In today's world, digital boundaries are super important! This includes screen time, how you interact online, and sharing personal information. For example, asking friends not to tag you in photos without your permission."

• Ask students: "Which of these types of boundaries do you think is most challenging to set, and why?" (Allow for 2-3 student responses).

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 6: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Boundaries)

(Teacher says): "It's also important to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries are clearly communicated, can be flexible when appropriate, and show respect for both yourself and others. They lead to mutual understanding."

"Unhealthy boundaries, on the other hand, can be non-existent – this is what happens with 'people-pleasing' where you never say no. Or, they can be too rigid, causing you to isolate yourself. If your boundaries are constantly being violated, or they lead to constant resentment, they might be unhealthy."

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 7: Signs of Boundary Issues)

(Teacher says): "How do you know if you have a boundary issue, or if someone is crossing your boundaries? Here are some signs to look out for: feeling resentful or angry, feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty when saying no, feeling drained after certain interactions, or others repeatedly ignoring your requests."

"Recognizing these signs is the crucial first step. If you notice these feelings, it's a good indication that a boundary might need to be set or reinforced."

• Distribute the Boundary Scenarios Worksheet.

(Teacher says): "Now, I'm going to give you a Boundary Scenarios Worksheet. You can work individually or with a partner. For each scenario, I want you to identify if a boundary is being crossed, what type of boundary it is, and how you might respond to set or enforce a healthy boundary."

• Circulate and provide assistance as students work.

Role-Playing & Practice (20 minutes)

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 8: Practice Time: Setting Boundaries!)

(Teacher says): "Alright, let's put what we've learned into practice! We're going to do a role-playing activity. This is a safe space to try out different ways of communicating your needs. Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to setting boundaries."

• Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
• Distribute the Role-Playing Activity Cards.

(Teacher says): "In your small groups, you will pick a Role-Playing Activity Card. Each card describes a scenario where a boundary needs to be set. As a group, decide who will play which role. Then, role-play how you would set a healthy boundary in that situation."

"When you're role-playing, focus on clear communication, respectful assertion, and what you might do if your boundary is challenged. Don't be afraid to try different approaches. Give each other constructive feedback!"

• Circulate among groups, listen to their role-plays, and provide guidance and feedback. Encourage groups to try different scenarios if they finish early.

Reflection & Cool-Down (10 minutes)

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 9: Debrief & Discussion)

(Teacher says): "Let's bring it back together. Great job with the role-playing! It can feel a bit awkward at first, but that's how we learn. Let's debrief:"

• Ask students: "What was challenging about setting boundaries during the role-play?"
• Ask students: "What felt empowering about successfully communicating a boundary?"
• Ask students: "Did anyone discover new ways to communicate their needs or assert themselves respectfully?"
• Ask students: "How do you think this practice can help you in real life, with friends, family, or even teachers?"

(Teacher displays Healthy Boundaries Slide Deck - Slide 10: Your Boundary Blueprint)

(Teacher says): "To wrap things up, remember that setting boundaries is a skill. It takes practice, and you won't always get it perfectly the first time. But every time you try, you're building a stronger foundation for yourself."

"Healthy boundaries help you build stronger, more respectful relationships, and they empower you to protect your energy and well-being. This is an investment in your mental and emotional health."

• Distribute the Boundary Reflections Journal.

(Teacher says): "As our cool-down, I'd like you to complete the Boundary Reflections Journal. This is an opportunity to think about how you can apply what we discussed today to your own life. Consider one boundary you might want to set or strengthen, and how you will communicate it. This will be your exit ticket for today."

• Collect journals as students leave.

Role-Playing Activity Cards: Setting Healthy Boundaries

Instructions: Cut out these cards. In your small groups, select a card and role-play the scenario. Focus on how you would clearly and respectfully communicate your boundary.

Scenario 1: The Constant Borrower

Your friend, Alex, constantly asks to borrow your notes right before a test, even though you spend a lot of time organizing them. You're starting to feel taken advantage of.

Your Goal: Communicate that while you're willing to help sometimes, you need them to take more responsibility for their own work.

Scenario 2: The Late-Night Texter

Another friend, Sam, frequently texts you very late at night (after 10 PM) about non-urgent things, waking you up or disrupting your sleep. You need your sleep for school.

Your Goal: Set a boundary around when you are available for non-urgent communication.

Scenario 3: The Over-Sharer

A classmate, Jamie, tends to share a lot of very personal details about their life with you, even in public spaces, making you feel uncomfortable and unsure how to respond.

Your Goal: Politely indicate that while you care about them, some topics are too private for certain settings or that you're not equipped to handle certain heavy emotional topics.

Scenario 4: The Unwanted Touch

Someone in your friend group, Chris, has a habit of playfully poking, grabbing your arm, or giving unsolicited pats on the back, even though you've subtly tried to move away before. It makes you feel uncomfortable.

Your Goal: Clearly state your need for personal physical space.

Scenario 5: The Time Demander

Your family member, Taylor, often asks you to run errands or help with chores right when you're about to start your homework or study for an important test. You feel like your study time isn't being respected.

Your Goal: Establish a boundary around your study time and suggest alternative times you can help.

Scenario 6: The Digital Pressure

Your group project members keep messaging you in a group chat all weekend, expecting immediate responses and making you feel like you can't step away from your phone, even though you need a break.

Your Goal: Communicate your availability for group work outside of school hours.

Boundary Scenarios Worksheet: Identifying and Setting Your Limits

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. For each one, answer the questions below. Think about what a healthy boundary would look like in these situations.

Scenario 1

Your friend keeps borrowing your favorite hoodie without asking, and often returns it dirty or several days later. You feel disrespected because they aren't asking for permission.

1. Is a boundary being crossed? If yes, what type of boundary (physical, emotional, time, material, intellectual, digital)?
   
   
   

2. How does this situation make you feel?
   
   
   

3. What is one clear and respectful way you could communicate your boundary to your friend?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2

During a study session, a classmate constantly interrupts you when you are explaining a concept, or dismisses your ideas without really listening. You feel unheard and frustrated.

1. Is a boundary being crossed? If yes, what type of boundary?
   
   
   

2. How does this situation make you feel?
   
   
   

3. What is one clear and respectful way you could communicate your boundary to your classmate?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3

Your younger sibling often bursts into your room without knocking, goes through your belongings, or demands your attention when you're busy with homework or needing alone time.

1. Is a boundary being crossed? If yes, what type of boundary?
   
   
   

2. How does this situation make you feel?
   
   
   

3. What is one clear and respectful way you could communicate your boundary to your sibling (and possibly your parents)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 4

Someone in your online gaming group starts sending you excessive private messages, getting upset if you don't respond immediately, or asking for personal information you're not comfortable sharing.

1. Is a boundary being crossed? If yes, what type of boundary?
   
   
   

2. How does this situation make you feel?
   
   
   

3. What is one clear and respectful way you could communicate your boundary to this person?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 5

A friend frequently relies on you to do their emotional labor, constantly coming to you with their problems and expecting you to solve them, leaving you feeling emotionally drained and burdened.

1. Is a boundary being crossed? If yes, what type of boundary?
   
   
   

2. How does this situation make you feel?
   
   
   

3. What is one clear and respectful way you could communicate your boundary to your friend, while still being supportive in a healthy way?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Boundary Reflections Journal: My Personal Blueprint

Instructions: Take a few moments to reflect on today's lesson about healthy boundaries. Your honest thoughts and feelings are valuable.

1. My Current Boundary Snapshot

Think about your interactions with friends, family, and teachers. Where do you feel your boundaries are strong? Where do you notice they might be weak or unclear?

2. One Boundary I Want to Set or Strengthen

Based on what we discussed today, identify one specific boundary you want to set or strengthen in your life. This could be related to physical space, emotional availability, time, possessions, or digital interactions.

• What is the boundary? (Be specific! E.g., "I will not respond to texts after 9 PM." or "I will ask my sibling to knock before entering my room.")

3. How I Will Communicate It

Thinking about respectful and clear communication, how will you express this new or strengthened boundary to the person or people involved? What words might you use?

4. Why This Matters To Me

Briefly explain why setting or strengthening this boundary is important for your well-being, your relationships, or your overall sense of self-respect.