Respectful Relationships Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds — PE (VC2HP8P04)

Instructions

1. Read through each section carefully before you begin writing.
2. Start with Part 1 to make sure you understand the key terms.
3. Answer the questions in each section to the best of your ability. Use the scenarios to think about real-life situations.
4. For Part 4, be creative and think about how a conversation could be changed for the better.
5. Complete the Challenge Question if you finish early or want to think more deeply about the topic.

Part 1: Know Your Terms

Match the key term on the left with its correct definition on the right. Write the letter of the definition in the blank space next to the term.

1. ___ Respect
2. ___ Empathy
3. ___ Power
4. ___ Coercion

A. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person by imagining what it would be like to be in their situation.
B. Using force, threats, or pressure to persuade someone to do something they don't want to do.
C. Treating someone in a way that shows you value their feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions. You see them as an equal.
D. The ability or capacity to influence or direct the behavior of others or the course of events. Can be used positively or negatively.

Part 2: Scenario Spotting

Read each short scenario below. Identify the main concept at play (Respect, Empathy, Power, or Coercion) and briefly explain your reasoning.

Scenario A:
Alex tells Jordan, "If you don't let me copy your homework, I'm going to tell everyone the secret you told me last week." Jordan feels trapped and gives Alex the homework.

Main Concept: ______________________________

Why?

_________________________________________________________________________

Scenario B:
Sam notices that their friend Casey seems quiet and upset. Instead of ignoring it, Sam says, "You seem a bit down today. Is everything okay? You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but I'm here to listen."

Main Concept: ______________________________

Why?

_________________________________________________________________________

Scenario C:
During a group project, Taylor is the only one who knows how to use the video editing software. Taylor listens to everyone's ideas and uses their skills to help the group achieve its shared goal, making sure everyone feels included.

Main Concept: ______________________________

Why?

_________________________________________________________________________

Part 3: Building Blocks or Wrecking Balls?

Read the list of behaviors below. Sort them into the correct columns: behaviors that Build Respectful Relationships or behaviors that Damage Relationships.

Listening without interrupting • Threatening to end a friendship • Sharing secrets without permission • Apologizing when you're wrong • Pressuring someone to agree with you • Valuing someone's opinion even if you disagree • Ignoring someone's feelings • Making decisions together • Using blackmail • Encouraging a friend to try something new

Part 4: Rewrite the Script

In a healthy relationship, people communicate with respect and empathy. Read the negative script below. Then, rewrite it to show a healthier, more respectful way to handle the situation.

Scenario: Riley and Kai are supposed to hang out. Riley wants to go to the movies, but Kai isn't interested.

Negative Script:
RILEY: We're going to see that new action movie on Saturday. I already bought tickets.
KAI: Oh. I'm not really a fan of action movies. I was hoping we could go to the park.
RILEY: Seriously? The park is boring. We're going to the movies or we're not hanging out at all. Don't be so difficult.

Your Respectful Script:
RILEY: ___________________________________________________________________

KAI: ______________________________________________________________________

RILEY: ___________________________________________________________________

Part 5: Real-World Connection

Answer the following questions based on your own thoughts and experiences.

1. Why is it sometimes difficult to show empathy to someone you disagree with?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe one small way you can show more respect in your friendships or family relationships this week.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

⭐ Challenge Question ⭐

How can a positive use of power (like being a team captain or a trusted friend) turn into a negative situation if empathy and respect are forgotten? Give a specific example.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Answer Key

Part 1: Know Your Terms
1. C - Respect
2. A - Empathy
3. D - Power
4. B - Coercion

Part 2: Scenario Spotting
(Note: Student explanations may vary slightly but should capture the core idea.)
Scenario A: Main Concept: Coercion. Why? Alex is using a threat (to reveal a secret) to force Jordan to do something they don't want to do.
Scenario B: Main Concept: Empathy. Why? Sam is recognizing Casey's feelings, trying to understand their perspective, and offering support without being pushy.
Scenario C: Main Concept: Power (used positively). Why? Taylor has a special skill (influence/ability) but is using it to help the group and include everyone's ideas, rather than just taking over.

Part 3: Building Blocks or Wrecking Balls?

Part 4: Rewrite the Script
(Answers will vary. Look for elements of compromise, respect for the other person's feelings, and shared decision-making.)
Example Answer:
RILEY: Hey, I was thinking of seeing that new action movie on Saturday. Would you be interested in going?
KAI: Oh. I'm not really a fan of action movies. I was hoping we could do something outside, like go to the park.
RILEY: Okay, that's fair. How about we compromise? We could go to the park this weekend, and maybe we can find a movie we both want to see next weekend?

Part 5: Real-World Connection
(Answers are based on personal reflection. There are no right or wrong answers. Look for thoughtful responses.)
1. Example answer: It can be hard because when you disagree, you are focused on your own point of view and why you are right, which makes it difficult to step into their shoes.
2. Example answer: I can make sure to put my phone away and listen fully when my parent is talking to me, or I can ask my friend for their opinion on what game we should play instead of just choosing one myself.

Challenge Question
(Answers will vary. Look for a clear connection between power, a lack of empathy/respect, and a negative outcome.)
Example Answer: A team captain has power to make decisions for the team. If they use that power positively, they listen to teammates and make fair choices. But if they forget empathy and respect, they might start making decisions that only benefit them or their close friends. For example, they might bench a skilled player they don't like, or ignore a teammate's suggestion for a play. This creates a negative environment where people feel disrespected and the team's trust and performance suffer.