Healthy relationships: a toolkit for secondary schools

About this resource

This toolkit includes assembly materials, a two-part lesson and guidance for education staff. It supports students aged 11 to 13 to develop the skills and understanding they need to build healthy friendships and manage conflict in ways that support their mental wellbeing.

Students will explore key topics including building confidence in setting boundaries, managing peer pressure and navigating both face-to-face and online interactions. They will also learn how to identify and use constructive conflict resolution strategies, both offline and online.

By taking part in this lesson toolkit, students will:

• develop the skills to manage and repair peer conflict effectively, including knowing when and how to seek support

• improve emotional literacy and the ability to regulate emotional responses in social situations

• develop an understanding of safe and respectful behaviour in online spaces, particularly within peer group communication (e.g. group chats)

• build confidence in setting and maintaining personal boundaries, both offline and online

• strengthen their ability to navigate peer pressure and make safe, independent decisions

• feel more confident in building and maintaining positive, healthy friendships during the transition into and across Year 7 and 8.

Using this resource

• education staff in secondary settings.

Please note: the guidance for education staff is designed to be used alongside the teaching resources. It provides an overview of the toolkit aims, along with some practical suggestions to help education staff feel more confident when delivering the assembly and lesson, and when supporting students.