LEARNING OBJECTIVE

To define emotional abuse, recognize the patterns in an unhealthy relationship, and understand what positive relationships should feel like

HEALTH ED STANDARD

Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks (NHES 4)

KEY VOCAB

 berated, relentless, manipulative, tactic, empowers, isolated, intervention, possessive

Lesson Plan: Bad Romance

One in three teens will experience dating abuse this year, yet many won’t know it’s happening until it’s too late. In this story, they’ll learn to spot the signs.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I recognize when a relationship has become unhealthy?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. According to the story, how many teens who have been in a relationship have experienced abuse? The CDC found that one in three girls and one in four boys have experienced dating abuse. 
  2. Why does controlling or manipulative behavior in teen relationships often start? Since it’s the first time they’re experiencing such strong emotions, they may confuse intensity or jealousy with love. 
  3. Why did Kaylee still stay with Jacob after he physically hurt her in front of her friends? Jacob had isolated her from all of her friends, and she thought that if she didn’t go with him, things would get worse.

Like What You See?

Then you'll love Choices, our health, social-emotional learning, and life-skills magazine for grades 7–12 

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. What are some characteristics of a healthy relationship? Possible answers: There should be trust and open communication. The person should support you, not humiliate you. 
  2. If you were Kaylee or Maia’s friend, what advice would you give them about their relationships? Possible answer: A relationship should make you feel supported and happy. Please talk to your parents or another trusted adult about this. 
  3. How can social media lead to miscommunication and heightened emotions in relationships? Possible answer: There are many ways that messages can be misconstrued, since you’re not face-to-face and it’s hard to tell when someone is joking

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 5

Make sure students know what a healthy relationship looks like. As a class, play the Paper Boyfriend and Paper Girlfriend games on StayTeen.org. Then, use the HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP handout to guide your students through small group discussions.

WRITE AND REFLECT

NHES 4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7

Using the #RELATIONSHIPGOALS handout, students will compare and contrast two relationships (one healthy and one not-so-healthy), either of fictional characters or celebrities. After they’ve reflected on the differences individually, have them work together in groups to create a PSA that raises awareness about dangerous dating behaviors.

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