PDH
1. Developing Independence
Independence means becoming increasingly able to make your own decisions, take responsibility and complete tasks without always relying on other people.
As you move from childhood → adolescence → adulthood, your independence generally increases.
Childhood
You depend heavily on parents/carers for things such as:
food and shelter
transport
money
making important decisions
organising activities
safety and supervision
Adolescence
You begin taking greater responsibility, such as:
managing some of your own money
travelling independently
organising schoolwork
choosing friends
making more personal decisions
taking responsibility for chores
preparing some meals
spending time without parents
Adulthood
Independence becomes much greater and may include:
employment
managing finances
choosing where to live
voting
making your own appointments
buying groceries
making major life decisions
Is independence always good?
Independence is important because it develops:
confidence
responsibility
decision-making skills
problem-solving skills
However, too much independence before someone is ready can create pressure, stress or unsafe decisions.
The goal is to gradually develop independence while still knowing when to seek help.
2. Family Responsibilities
As adolescents become more independent, their responsibilities within their family may also change.
Families involve give and take.
Your family may provide:
food
shelter
clothing
emotional support
financial support
transport
protection
advice
In return, young people may:
complete chores
clean their room
help prepare meals
look after siblings
respect family members
follow reasonable household rules
help around the house
A healthy family relationship should involve mutual support and respect rather than everything being one-sided.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
A right is something a person is entitled to.
A responsibility is something a person is expected or required to do.
Rights and responsibilities often work together.
For example:
Right | Responsibility |
|---|---|
Right to education | Participate and make an effort |
Right to feel safe | Avoid harming others |
Right to express an opinion | Respect other people's opinions |
Right to privacy | Respect other people's privacy |
Right to use shared spaces | Look after them |
Right to be respected | Treat others respectfully |
⭐ EXAM TIP: If asked about a right, think about the responsibility that comes with it.
4. Communication and Relationships
Communication is how people exchange information, ideas, thoughts and feelings.
Good communication is extremely important for healthy relationships.
Effective communication can:
build trust
prevent misunderstandings
resolve conflicts
strengthen relationships
allow people to express their feelings
help people understand one another
Poor communication can cause:
misunderstandings
arguments
damaged relationships
hurt feelings
unresolved conflict
5. Communication Is More Than Talking
Communication isn't only the words you say.
There are two major forms:
Verbal communication
Communication involving words.
Examples:
speaking
conversations
phone calls
discussions
Non-verbal communication
Communication without words.
Examples:
facial expressions
gestures
posture
body language
eye contact
tone of voice
physical distance
Someone could say:
"I'm fine."
But if they're avoiding eye contact, looking down and speaking quietly, their non-verbal communication may suggest that they're actually upset.
⭐ Remember: Body language can sometimes communicate something different from someone's words.
6. Effective Communication Skills
Good communication involves more than simply speaking.
Important skills include:
active listening
appropriate eye contact
showing respect
speaking clearly
using appropriate body language
asking questions
giving feedback
considering another person's feelings
choosing appropriate words
allowing the other person to speak
showing empathy
Active listening
Active listening means giving someone your full attention and showing that you understand what they're saying.
This can involve:
looking at them
not interrupting
asking relevant questions
responding appropriately
summarising what they said
showing interest
7. Different Ways of Communicating
Communication has changed significantly because of technology.
People can communicate through:
face-to-face conversations
phone calls
texting
email
social media
video calls
online messaging
Face-to-face communication
Advantages:
you can see body language
tone is easier to understand
misunderstandings can be corrected quickly
conversations can feel more personal
Digital communication
Advantages:
fast
convenient
can communicate over long distances
Disadvantages:
tone can be misunderstood
facial expressions/body language may be missing
messages can be shared with others
misunderstandings can develop easily
8. Conflict
Conflict is a disagreement between people.
Conflict is a normal part of relationships because people have different:
opinions
values
beliefs
personalities
needs
expectations
Conflict itself isn't always bad.
The important thing is how people respond to it.
9. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution means dealing with disagreements in a respectful and constructive way.
Healthy strategies include:
remaining calm
listening
explaining your feelings respectfully
understanding the other person's perspective
compromising
negotiating
apologising where appropriate
finding solutions together
Avoid:
shouting
threatening
insulting
violence
blaming
refusing to communicate
10. Dealing With Conflict With Peers
There are several ways people may respond to peer conflict.
Avoiding
Staying away from the conflict.
Advantage: May allow everyone time to calm down.
Disadvantage: The problem may remain unresolved.
Accommodating
Allowing the other person to have their way.
Advantage: May quickly end a minor disagreement.
Disadvantage: Your own needs may continuously be ignored.
Compromising
Both people give up something to reach an agreement.
Advantage: Both sides get part of what they want.
Disadvantage: Neither person necessarily gets everything they wanted.
Collaborating
Both people work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone.
Advantage: Can create a fair, long-term solution.
Disadvantage: May take more time and communication.
⭐ For exams, don't just name a strategy. Explain why it would work in that particular situation.
11. Conflict in Different Relationships
The causes and ways of dealing with conflict can change depending on the relationship.
Parents
Conflict may involve:
independence
household rules
screen time
responsibilities
curfews
Friends
Conflict may involve:
disagreements
trust
exclusion
rumours
jealousy
Siblings
Conflict may involve:
sharing
privacy
attention
belongings
Teachers
Conflict may involve:
behaviour
schoolwork
expectations
classroom rules
The best response generally involves calm communication, listening and finding an appropriate solution.
12. Power in Relationships
Power is the ability to influence another person's behaviour, choices or situation.
A healthy relationship generally has a reasonable balance of power.
This means:
both people have a voice
decisions aren't controlled entirely by one person
both people's opinions are respected
communication is open
neither person uses fear or intimidation
Power can become unhealthy when one person attempts to control or dominate another person.
13. Gender Stereotypes and Power
A gender stereotype is a generalised belief about how males or females are supposedly expected to behave.
Examples might include ideas such as:
boys shouldn't show emotion
girls should behave in particular ways
certain jobs belong to one gender
one gender should have more authority than another
Stereotypes can be reinforced through:
family
friends
advertising
movies
television
social media
culture
Gender stereotypes can affect:
confidence
behaviour
relationships
opportunities
expectations
power within relationships
People should be recognised for their individual qualities rather than being restricted by stereotypes.
14. Negative Relationships
A negative or unhealthy relationship can harm someone's physical, social or emotional wellbeing.
Warning signs can include:
controlling behaviour
constant criticism
jealousy
manipulation
threats
intimidation
bullying
emotional abuse
physical abuse
sexual abuse
harassment
discrimination
isolation from friends or family
Healthy relationships should involve:
respect + trust + safety + communication + equality.
15. Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence involves abusive behaviour within family or intimate relationships.
It can take different forms, including:
physical abuse
emotional abuse
psychological abuse
verbal abuse
controlling behaviour
intimidation
threats
A person experiencing domestic or family violence should seek support from a trusted adult, professional or appropriate support service.
If someone is in immediate danger, emergency assistance should be sought.
16. Abuse of Power
Power itself isn't automatically bad.
Positive use of power
Power can be used to:
protect people
help others
make fair decisions
maintain safety
improve communities
Abuse of power
Abuse of power occurs when someone uses their authority or position unfairly, harmfully or to control others.
Examples:
intimidation
discrimination
harassment
bullying
manipulation
unfair treatment
17. People in Positions of Power
Person | Positive use | Negative use |
|---|---|---|
Principal | Creates a safe school environment | Makes unfair decisions |
School captain | Helps with projects | Controls others |
Police officer | Protects people and enforces laws fairly | Abuses authority |
Teacher | Helps students and treats them fairly | Favourites students/unfair punishment |
Judge | Makes fair decisions according to law | Makes unfair decisions |
Coach | Encourages players | Bullies/unfairly treats players |
Employer | Provides a fair and safe workplace | Takes advantage of workers |
18. Seeking Help and Support
Seeking help means recognising that you need assistance and reaching out to an appropriate person.
People may seek help because of:
bullying
relationship problems
family problems
emotional difficulties
stress
harassment
abuse
unsafe situations
There are two major types of support.
Informal support
Help from people in your personal life.
Examples:
friends
parents
siblings
relatives
trusted adults
Formal support
Help provided by trained people or organisations.
Examples:
counsellors
doctors
psychologists
teachers/wellbeing staff
police
professional support services
⭐ MEMORISE:
Informal = people you know personally.
Formal = professionals/services.
19. How to Seek Help
A person can:
Recognise that something is wrong.
Identify someone trustworthy.
Explain the situation.
Ask for help.
Contact a professional service if necessary.
Continue seeking support if the problem isn't resolved.
Seeking help is particularly important when a situation becomes unsafe or too difficult to manage alone.
20. Helping Someone Else Seek Support
If someone else is struggling:
listen without judging
show empathy
take their concerns seriously
encourage them to speak to a trusted adult
help them find appropriate support
involve an adult/professional when necessary
You don't have to solve someone's serious problem yourself.
21. Respectful Relationships
A respectful relationship involves:
trust
honesty
communication
empathy
equality
support
boundaries
consent
cooperation
respect
Healthy relationships should make people feel safe, valued and respected.
22. Discrimination
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of a characteristic.
Examples include discrimination based on:
race
sex
disability
age
Discrimination can affect:
confidence
wellbeing
opportunities
relationships
sense of belonging
23. Bullying
Bullying is harmful behaviour involving a power imbalance that is generally repeated or has the potential to be repeated.
Physical bullying
Examples:
hitting
pushing
kicking
damaging belongings
Verbal bullying
Examples:
insults
threats
teasing
name-calling
Social bullying
Examples:
exclusion
spreading rumours
embarrassing someone
damaging friendships/reputation
Cyberbullying
Bullying using digital technology.
24. Effects of Bullying
This is VERY important.
Bullying can affect someone's:
🧍 Physical wellbeing
injuries
headaches
sleep problems
tiredness
stress-related symptoms
👥 Social wellbeing
isolation
avoiding friends
avoiding school
withdrawing from activities
difficulty trusting people
🧠 Emotional wellbeing
sadness
fear
embarrassment
anger
anxiety
reduced confidence
reduced self-esteem
⭐ MEMORISE: PSE
Physical
Social
Emotional
25. Coping With Bullying
Someone experiencing bullying can:
tell a trusted adult
report the behaviour
seek support
speak to a teacher/counsellor
avoid retaliating
keep evidence
use reporting systems
26. Bystanders
A bystander is someone who witnesses bullying.
A helpful bystander can:
refuse to encourage the bully
support the victim
report the incident
get help
safely intervene when appropriate
You should not put yourself in danger while trying to help.
27. Preventing Bullying at School
Schools can use:
anti-bullying policies
reporting systems
teacher supervision
counselling
education programs
consequences for bullying
safe reporting methods
If an exam asks you to evaluate a strategy, explain WHY it works.
Example:
Increased teacher supervision can reduce bullying because adults can identify inappropriate behaviour and intervene quickly.
28. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying through digital technology.
It can occur through:
social media
text messages
group chats
online games
email
websites
messaging apps
Examples:
abusive messages
online rumours
embarrassing posts
exclusion
fake accounts
sharing private information
impersonation
29. Types of Cyberbullying ⭐
These definitions are worth memorising.
Harassment
Repeatedly sending hurtful, offensive or threatening messages.
Flaming
An aggressive online argument involving angry or insulting messages.
Denigration
Spreading false or harmful information to damage someone's reputation.
Impersonation
Pretending to be another person online to cause harm or damage their reputation.
Outing
Sharing someone's private information, photos, messages or secrets without permission.
Trickery
Tricking someone into revealing private information and then sharing or misusing it.
Exclusion
Intentionally leaving someone out of an online group, chat, game or community.
Cyberstalking
Repeated online behaviour intended to harass, threaten or frighten someone.
Fake profiles
Creating a false identity/account to deceive, embarrass or harm someone.
30. Why Cyberbullying Can Be Particularly Harmful
Cyberbullying can be difficult because:
information spreads quickly
large audiences can see it
screenshots/posts can remain online
it can happen 24/7
perpetrators may be anonymous
victims may feel unable to escape it
It can lead to:
anxiety
embarrassment
isolation
reduced self-esteem
fear
concentration difficulties
school avoidance
damaged relationships
31. Recognising Cyberbullying
Possible signs include:
becoming upset after using a device
suddenly avoiding social media
secrecy around online activity
withdrawing from friends
mood changes
anxiety
avoiding school
losing interest in activities
These signs don't automatically prove cyberbullying, but they can indicate that someone needs support.
32. Protecting Yourself From Cyberbullying
Remember this:
🚨 BLOCK → REPORT → SAVE → TELL
BLOCK the person/account.
REPORT the content/account.
SAVE screenshots or other evidence.
TELL a trusted adult.
You can also:
change privacy settings
avoid replying to abusive messages
seek professional help if necessary
33. Parents, Schools and Online Platforms
Parents can:
listen
recognise behavioural changes
provide emotional support
help report bullying
teach online safety
Schools can:
investigate bullying
educate students
enforce policies
provide counselling
provide reporting systems
Online platforms can:
provide blocking tools
provide reporting systems
remove harmful content
suspend accounts
provide privacy controls
34. Smartphones and Social Media
Smartphones have both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
fast communication
contact with friends/family
access to information
educational resources
ability to seek help
Possible problems with excessive use
distraction from schoolwork
reduced face-to-face communication
sleep disruption
ignoring people around you
exposure to cyberbullying
excessive time online
Reducing screen time
set limits
turn off unnecessary notifications
keep phones away while studying
avoid phones before sleeping
have phone-free meals
participate in offline activities