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Building respectful relationships

Respectful relationships are built when students have opportunities to learn about self-management, relationships, decision-making, problem-solving, ethics and positive gender relations.

Building respectful relationships relies on students having opportunities for social and emotional learning in some or all of these areas:

  • self-awareness, self-management, social awareness
  • relationship skills
  • decision-making and problem-solving
  • ethics, values and social norms
  • challenging stereotypes
  • positive gender relationships.

Information

We know that when young people learn about respectful relationships they:

  • show improved academic outcomes
  • demonstrate more positive social behaviour
  • have lower rates of mental health problems
  • are less likely to engage in violent, risky and disruptive behaviour.

Respectful relationships education provides a framework to develop teaching practice. It supports a school culture in which children and young people can develop relationships based on equality, respect and freedom from violence.

Explore respectful relationships education for your state or territory.

Video Resources

Find out what students around Australia think about respectful relationships education.

Dr Justin Coulson is a father of six girls and a positive psychologist. He shares strategies about how to raise resilient girls who understand respect and healthy relationships.

This 6-minute video provides tips for helping boys with emotions, boundaries and developing respectful relationships. It features parenting author and psychologist Dr Justin Coulson.

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