Healthy Boundaries for Teens

Setting boundaries is an important part of any relationship. To have the healthiest relationship, both partners should know each other’s wants, goals, fears, and personal limits. Each person should feel comfortable communicating their honest needs without being afraid of what the other person might do in response. If a partner does not respect those needs, or goes against what the other person is comfortable with to a point where they don’t feel safe, that’s a sign of an unhealthy relationship and crossing personal boundary lines.

• Emotional Boundaries 
  Choosing what to share when ready | Spending time apart | Allowing others to feel upset without needing to “fix” the situation  in some way.
• Physical Boundaries
  Self-Care | Greetings and interactions | Personal body space
• Digital Boundaries
  Posting relationship status or personal details | Using each other’s devices | Sharing passwords

• Respect Each Other
  Be respectful by asking what the other person what it is they want to do and by not trying to control one another. Show you care for each other by truly listening and sharing thoughts and feelings.
• Have Common Interests
  In order to do so, first you should understand yourself and the personal goals or values you have for your life but, at the same time, try to do things that the other person enjoys as well.
• Stand Up for Yourself
  If someone crosses a boundary of yours– whether it’s once, twice, or repeatedly and it’s something you’re not comfortable–then, be affirmative and assertive that you wont tolerate being treated in that particular way.
• Have a Personal Life
  Outside of the relationship, each person should feel free enough to have their own friends and interests. Make sure you keep up with schoolwork, friends, and other activities you’re interested in.
• Settle Disagreements Peacefully
  It is only natural for people to disagree. The important thing is trying to reach an agreement with a good attitude– whether its about movies, music, favorite sports, or even where you want to go or what you decide to do together.

• Putting yourself down
  Feeling lower or thinking less of yourself because of someone else’s opinion may indicate an unhealthy friendship/relationship.
• Controlling behavior
  A  little bit of jealousy is normal, but too much jealousy can turn into needing to know where each person is at all times while also not allowing time with other friends.
• Pressured into giving in
  Saying “if you really cared” or “I would do it for you” shows someone does not respect boundaries.
• Letting others determine who you should be
  Controlling what to wear or how to act is an example of an unhealthy boundary.
• Trying to change someone else
  One person tells the other, “its my way or no way”
• Being held back
• Someone doesn’t want the other to succeed, or are made to feel guilty about doing things that interest them.
• Making excuses or being blamed for the other person’s problems

Verbal Abuse
It takes honest conversation to work things out–insulting, name-calling, or manipulating a partner indicate verbal abuse in a relationship.

Physical Abuse
Pushing, shoving, hitting, or kicking in anger are all signs that physical abuse in a relationship has gone too far.  Seek advice from trusted adults, counselors, or coaches to help separate.

Controlling Behavior or Forced Sex
Someone who exhibits controlling behavior may also isolate his/her partner from friends, restrict the partner’s involvement in extracurricular activities, or require knowledge about significant other’s whereabouts at all times.

Threats Receiving explicit threats or fearing impending physical/verbal abuse indicates unhealthy boundaries in a relationship.

Blame or Shame
Making excuses for your partners behavior, and blaming yourself for being mistreated only keeps you in an unhealthy relationship.

Digital Privacy
Controlling one another’s social media accounts by insisting to have access is a form of digital abuse

Photos & Sexting
Someone who tries to demand, manipulate, coerce, or even threaten with sending or forwarding a sext could face criminal charges.