Health Exam - Respectful relationships

Identity

Identity is not static; it is fluid and evolves over time due to various factors such as life experiences, social contexts and relationships.

Personal identity

it refers to who you are and the way you define, perceive, and represent yourself. It encompasses the unique qualities, characteristics, and experiences that make an individual distinct.

what contributes to personal identity

hobbies. interests, values, beliefs, personal experiences

Social identity

refers to the aspects on an individual’s self-concept that comes from belonging to a social group, such as race or religion.

overlap between social and personal identity

• contribute to an overall sense of self 

• can change over time 

• influence behaviour, values, and choices 

• shape how you see yourself and how others also see you

values

they relate to what an individual feels is important in life such as family connections or freedom of speech

beliefs

they are what an individual feels to be true or right, ever though the belief may be unproven such as the belief in life after death.

examples of beliefs

• god exists

• all people are created equal

• heaven exists

• life after death

examples of values

• education 

• fitness 

• wealth 

• fun

language

• very powerful

• can be discriminatory, harmful and limiting

• can be a way to define your identity

• we should be mindful of how we communication with others

inclusive language

• using words in ways that show our respect for people of all different backgrounds

• free from words, phrases or tones that reflect prejudices, stereotypes, or discriminatory view of particular people or groups

• doesn’t deliberately exclude people

• about welcoming all people to take part in and contribute

importance of inclusive language

• the way others describe up has a massive impact on our health and wellbeing

• lack of inclusive communication contributes to discrimination

• can help build trust between people and communities

• when we use it, it encourages other people in the community to use it too

gender

Refers to a way a person feels and sees themselves and is a part of a person’s personal and social identity. It can be about differences in identity, expression and experience as a woman, man or gender diverse person.

sex

Refers to a person’s biological sex characteristics. It includes their sex chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs.

sexuality/ sexual orientation

• describes a person’s intimate, romantic, and sexual attractions to others

• can include sexual identity (how a person thinks of their sexuality and the terms they identify with)

• can also include attraction and behaviour or relationships

respect

it is a concern for the feelings, wishes and rights of others

respectful behaviour in respectful relationships

enhances:

• trust and security

• open communication [sharing needs and wants] without the fear of judgement or criticism

• promotes equality and shared decision making

• fosters emotional well-being

• creates a positive environment for growth

importance of communication

• integral to positive and health relationships

helps us to:

• express needs

• set boundaries

• navigate conflict

• avoid misunderstandings

communication strategies

• positive body language 

• I statements 

• active listening 

• assertive communication

assertive communication

standing up for yourself and your rights while also respecting the rights and opinions of others

• active listening

• compromising

• being clear and confident

boundaries

are limits or rules we set for ourselves to our wellbeing. they help define what we are comfortable with and how we expect other to treat us. WE set our own boundaries.

physical boundary

revolve around touch, personal space and your physical needs

emotional boundary

limits that protect your feelings, thoughts and emotional energy

sexual boundaries

what we’re willing to do and feel comfortable with in an intimate setting

time boundaries

limits we set around how we spend our time and who we spend our time with

material boundaries

limits you set around your money, belongings, and possessions

digital boundaries

limits that protect your privacy, time, and comfort online and on devices

boundaries vs control

Boundaries are about protecting your own space and respect other people’s right to choose whereas control is about disregarding someone’s autonomy and trying to take away someone’s choice.

responding to breaches of boundaries - 1

pause and check in with yourself:

• identify what you feel and what boundary was crossed

responding to breaches of boundaries - 2

name the behaviour:

• let the person know what happened and how it affected you

responding to breaches of boundaries - 3

restate or reinforce you boundary:

• remind them of your limit clearly and assertively

responding to breaches of boundaries - 4

decide what you’ll do next:

• you get to choose what’s right for your safety and wellbeing

sexual consent

it is the free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act.

characteristics of consent - free agreement

consent must be freely and voluntarily given and cannot be obtained through intimidation or deception

characteristics of consent - certain and clear

must be communicated through words or actions and cannot be assumed

characteristics of consent - capacity to consent

a person must have the capacity to understand the nature of the sexual activity and freely consent to it

characteristics of consent - ongoing

it it not a one-time agreement, it must be present for each and every single act and ongoing throughout the act

characteristics of consent - specific

saying yes to one thing does not mean that someone had consented to multiple things

characteristics of consent - can be withdrawn

it is reversible and can be withdrawn anytime

age of consent

16 and above can legally engage in sexual activity with each other only if:

• both are 16 or over

• do not hold position of power over you

• freely & willingly giving consent 

position of power

it is a crime for a person who is caring or supervising another person to engage in a sexual encounter with them until they are 18

under 12

cannot legally consent to any type of sexual encounter

12 - 15

Can legally consent to a sexual encounter with someone who is within two years of their age.

16 - 18

Can legally consent to anyone as long as they do not hold a position of power over them.

18 +

Can legally consent to anyone who is 16 Years or older. 

seeking consent

• ask clearly and respectfully 

• wait for.a clear response

• accept the answer without pressure or persuasion 

• if consent was given - check in regularly

giving consent

• nodding

• relaxed body language

• yes

• sure

• excited

• happy

denying

• shaking head

• hesitant

• avoiding eye contact

• no

• please stop

• comfortable

• strong

sterotypes

Stereotypes are oversimplified and generalised beliefs or ideas about a group of people.

media stereotypes

refer to the stereotypes that are normalised and reinforces through mass media

media portrayal of sex, gender and sexuality

often not realistic

• many of the messages abt gender and sex can be harmful, undermine gender equity & respectful relationships, and negatively affect individual and community wellbeing

laws regarding possession of child material

can be charged with possessing child abuse material if you have a film, photograph, publication or computer game that describes or depicts a person who is or appears to be under 18:

• engaging in a sexual activity, or

• depicted in an indecent sexual manner or context.

laws regarding possession of child material

You could also be charged with producing child abuse material if you print a publication, make a film, take a photograph, or create a computer game that shows a person under 18 (or appears to be under 18):

• engaging in a sexual activity, or

• depicted in an indecent sexual manner or context.

Is It Illegal to Receive a Nude or Explicit Image?

It is illegal to receive, possess, or store nude or sexually explicit images of someone under 18, even if you didn’t ask for it. Even if it was sent by another teenager, it can still be considered child exploitation material.

if someone sends you explicit images you should

• Don’t forward it

• Don’t save it

• Tell a trusted adult immediately

• Report to the police/esafety commissioner

Exceptions to child abuse material offences

You cannot be prosecuted for child abuse material offences if you take or store indecent images of yourself.

It is also not a child abuse material offence if you are under 18 years old and:

• no person in the image is more than two years younger than you

• the image does not show an act that is serious criminal offence.

sexting

 known amongst young people as sharing a nude or a naked selfie, is the sharing of a sexually explicit picture or video via mobile phones, instant messaging apps, and/or social media sites.

Laws Regarding Sexting

Sexting is a crime if you intentionally distribute an intimate image of a person under 18 to others, even if they agree to the sext message being sent. You could also be charged by police with child abuse material offences.

Maximum penalty is 2 years in jail

Threatening to send a Sext Message 

Threatening to send an intimate image of a person to others if the person believes that you will carry out the threat may also be a criminal offence

Consequences of Sexting - legal

Sending or receiving such material could result in:

• Police investigation

• Legal charges

• Inclusion on a sex offender register (in some cases)

Consequences of Sexting - personal

• Influence on career

• Emotional/mental health impacts 

• Loss of friendships/relationships 

• Regret 

• Objectification/victimisation