Relationship Red Flag X-Factor Objective: Students will analyze the components of healthy and unhealthy relationships and identify ways to maintain healthy relationships. Students will be instructed on resources for getting out of an unhealthy relationship and how to identify situations that should be reported to a trusted adult. Common Core Tie-In: • Introduction to Social Health: Course Standard #8 • Family Studies: Course Standard #8 • Lifespan Development: Course Standards #12 c/d • Lifetime Wellness (9-12): Course Standard #6.1 • Health Education (6-8): Course Standards #8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 12.1, 12.2 Supplies Needed: •
3 red paper flags (see “Flags for Red Flag Activity”)
Directions: Ask students for three volunteers to be the “X-Factor” judges. Say: The three judges will hold red paper flags in their hands. Our judges will close their eyes. I will read a person’s description of their relationship. When the judges hear a relationship red flag, the judges will hold their red flags in the air. Once they hear a red flag, the judges will keep their flag up until I have finished reading. If all three judges hear three different red flags, I will have them discuss why the person in the scenario should end the relationship. *Note – you will likely need to instruct students to raise their flags as quietly as possible. Students will often shake their flags, which alerts other students to the raising of the flag. The purpose in having students close their eyes is to create a better understanding of how quickly your students identify different unhealthy relationship qualities. *Activity modification – If you would like all students to be able to participate, you may allow all students to be “judges.” Instruct the entire classroom to close their eyes, and to quietly raise their hands when they hear a red flag. Interview 1 – Briley – “Jordan is just great. We’ve been together for 6 months. Jordan buys me great gifts all the time and takes me on dates to see movies and stuff. I kind of miss hanging out with my friends because Jordan just wants to spend every minute we’re not in school with me. So romantic, right? You know, one time when we were arguing, Jordan grabbed me pretty hard by the arm. It was kind of scary! But Jordan was so sorry that I got a dozen red roses the next day! A dozen! No one has ever done anything that nice for me before. Besides, Jordan says no one else is ever going to want me, so why would I leave? I don’t want to be alone.”